Jobs hope as Newport retail park plan unveiled

A Lidl, four shops and a cafe or restaurant could be built near to the new Aldi supermarket on Audley Avenue in Newport.

It could also include a petrol station, which residents say is badly needed on the A41. Residents say they are broadly in support of the plans, which could bring dozens of jobs to the town.

The new supermarket will be on land neighbouring the existing Aldi store, which opened in August 2015.

The exact number of jobs the shops will create is not yet clear and, as yet, Lidl is the only confirmed business set to take up premises in the new retail park.

It is proposed that the site will have 89 car parking spaces, with six disabled spaces and six dedicated parent and child spaces.

There will also be a pedestrian access and cycle storage. The proposed development puts forward a number of pedestrian and cycle crossing points as part of the wider highways improvements.

A new access will also be put in to the new shops from the A41.

In posts on Facebook, residents have spoken out broadly in favour of the plans, though some have raised concerns about having two discount supermarkets in close proximity.

Resident Adam Stone said: "This is a great thing for Newport.

"Great employment for the area, more choice – great for the town in my opinion."

Amanda Percival added: "I think it's a good thing.

"I doubt it would stop people travelling into Newport.

"We have many independent stores in Newport which already attracts visitors and it's doubtful they'd suffer. If you want to browse small stores you'd not be swayed by Lidl."

The plans were submitted on Friday and have already attracted seven comments of objection and two of support from people living in Newport.

Laura Williams, of Avenue Road South, said: "This all sounds fabulous, away from the high street so the spirit of Newport would be maintained but would provide the petrol station by the A41 we desperately need for commuters and this side of town.

"I live just off Audley Avenue on Avenue Road and look forward to the job options increasing – all walkable from town but, thanks to the vehicle restrictions by the school, no more traffic by this residential area. Everyone wins, I think – fingers crossed."

The new retail park comes after 160 jobs at the neighbouring Audley Avenue Enterprise Park were secured by Telford & Wrekin Council bought the park.

It is now looking to secure a further £7.5 million to build another business park on nearby land – spelling more jobs for Newport.

The council say the purchase will bring in income, which it says can be used to safeguard frontline services at a time when it is looking to cut £50 million from its budget before 2020.

Those voicing their fears about the proposals say they are concerned about the problems that are caused by the already high levels of traffic that uses the A41 being exacerbated.

Michelle D'arcy Jewell, of Vineyard Road, said: "The traffic around Aldi is already too busy which the applicant doesn't seem to have taken into account.

"More out-of-town shopping discourages people from using the High Street, which isn't what Newport needs."