South Wales Evening Post - 4 September 2006
Controversial plans for a new Asda store in Swansea could be called in by the Assembly, it has been revealed. Campaigners fighting the proposals from the Wal-Mart-owned retail giant are speaking with Assembly Members about the plans.
They are hoping there are strong grounds for calling in the planning application before it goes to Swansea Council, who have agreed a multi-million deal with Asda for the land in Gorseinon.
The move has sparked a massive response from residents.
A petition of 5,200 objectors has been handed in to Swansea City Council opposing the £20 million store.
All the signatures have been collected from shops and offices in the town over the summer.
Secretary of Gorseinon's Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Phillip Sillick, said there were overwhelming opposition to the new supermarket earmarked for land between Heol-y-Mynydd and Cecil Road.
He said: "People are worried about the impact from extra traffic in an already congested town and the effect on local businesses."
Mr Sillick said the chamber had repeatedly asked for impact assessment on traffic from the council which has apparently been completed, but it had not be forthcoming.
He said: "People are really worried about the extra traffic and pollution it will cause.
"We feel the roundabout that is proposed to filter people into a 470 new Asda car park is deserving of a separate planning application.
"We are making enquiries of our Assembly members to see if there are grounds to call in this application.
"The chamber feels there are sound planning grounds for the call in procedure on pollution and traffic alone.
"The emotional concerns that the superstore will kill off the local traders of butchers, bakers and charity shops are emotional, but very real fears too."
Mr Sillick said in the last week Asda had been making great play of its cheap back to school clothing lines including 99p T-shirts.
"Even charity shops in Gorseinon cannot sell T-shirts second hand for less than £2.
"The competition is fiercely unfair. Local business do not stand a chance.
"Gorseinon is doomed as we know it if Asda is allowed."
An Asda spokesman said: "Asda's proposed investment in the town reflects the attractiveness of the town.
"The actual and predicted growth of new housing in and around town is also a key driver in Gorseinon's future."
