ASDA lobbied Town Clerk on '96% approval' store

Philip Bartram, Property Communications Manager at ASDA was writing in relation to the planned 40,000 square foot store that will create 350 new jobs for local people.

The Crescent Link store will also have a car park with 990 spaces. Mr Bartram argued - in a letter sent to the Council in late October - that it would mean "low prices for the local community in challenging economic times" and would "attract and retain shoppers in the city."

He cited the results of a recent consultation on the major investment that found 95 per cent of those that commented believed a new ASDA store would encourage them to shop locally more regularly; 97 per cent believed the area would benefit from increased shopping choice; and 98.5 per cent believed the area would benefit from the creation of new local jobs.

He explained the same consultation showed that 96 per cent of those that commented supported ASDA's proposal.

Consequently, Mr Bartram lobbied the Council Chief Executive Valerie Watts asking her to write to the Planning Service in support of the application.

In the letter he makes the case for the new store writing: "Clearly, Crescent Link is already a popular retail destination with existing infrastructure and we believe it represents the best opportunity to deliver a new ASDA store quickly to the local community.

"At a time of financial uncertainty our plans represent a significant investment in the city and will generate at least 350 new full and part time jobs for local people in the ASDA store alone.

"Our application is currently with the Planning Service and we are working very hard with all agencies to reach a quick and positive decision.

"At our two day public consultation in the Millennium Forum in September, we received a great deal of support from local people - with over 97 per cent of respondents supporting plans for an ASDA store at Crescent Link Retail Park."

The letter - before yesterday's Council Planning Committee meeting - also revealed Mr Bartram's request for Council support.

He wrote: "The development will be an attraction to both locals, those passing through the city and the thousands of shoppers crossing the border from the republic.

"We would encourage you to write to the Planning Service in support of the application seeking an assurance that a positive on this major investment in the city is made without delay."