Newport store protesters seek one voice over inquiry

A three-week public inquiry into plans for a 50,000 sq ft Sainsbury's on greenfield land off Station Road was held in January and February.

The land is owned by Telford & Wrekin Council and the Sainsbury's application is being put forward by developers St Modwen.

The other party in the inquiry is Indigo Planning, which has put forward an application on behalf of supermarket giant Morrison's for a former industrial site off Audley Avenue.

The inquiry was nearing completion when inspector Trevor Cookson died suddenly.

It is due to be run afresh in January, and will be chaired by Karen Ridge.

The Save Newport Campaign group has said the two parties should meet to agree a process to avoid a costly re-run of the inquiry.

David Parker, chairman of Save Newport Campaign, said: "We feel strongly that, since so much of the evidence presented on all sides will simply be repeated, with good will on all sides, a more efficient and cost effective inquiry could be heard to the benefit of all, especially the taxpayer."

Mr Parker has also said there seemed to have been a change in culture for supermarkets, who now appeared keen to move back into town centres.

"Not only that – but the chief executive of Sainsbury's has publicly stated on television that the trend of the big supermarkets is now moving away from out-of-town hypermarkets back to town centre locations," he added.

"So we are surprised that this application is still going ahead to build on much valued greenfield land."

A spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council said: "The council must follow the guidance of the Planning Inspectorate with regards to the Station Road inquiry, and the inspectorate has to comply with Government planning regulations."

"He added efforts would be made to make the process "timely and straightforward".