Asda Extension Plan

ASDA has won a unanimous thumbs up to expansion plans at its Frome store from council planning bosses.

But before it can move into its extension it must install warning signs around the flood-prone areas and deliver an acceptable travel plan.

Despite objections from Frome Town Council, the chamber of commerce, Frome Civic Society and developers involved in extending the Westway Centre and transforming Saxonvale, the 11 councillors in attendance on Mendip's planning committee passed the plans.

Attached to the approval is a Section 106 agreement negotiated between Asda, the town council and Mendip officers for £250,000 to be used on helping to deliver the council's radical plans to improve the town centre and mitigate loss of trade for other businesses.

Following the meeting Mayor Dickon Moore said there was disappointment among town councillors that the application was approved, given the council's concerns about the potential impact of the growth of Asda on the town centre.

However, he described the £250,000 contribution as a "significant sum".

Mr Moore added: "We are pleased that there will be some mitigation through a contribution towards the re-modelling of the town centre and signage that will help to promote the centre of town."

Details of the Section 106 agreement are subject to further consultation. A further £10,000 will be spent on signs encouraging people into the town centre.

Asda will now be allowed to expand the store by 20,000sq ft including a delivery hub and more space for non-food items. There will be a loss of 45 car parking spaces.

After the meeting, Mr Jones said Asda would be installing five flood warning signs on the approach roads to the store so that drivers could take an alternative route if the River Frome burst its banks.

He said: "The extension, to be built in 2014, will generate up to 25 jobs for local people and the planning approval includes a Section 106 contribution for Asda for up to £250,000 towards improvement to Frome town centre."

Read more: http://www.fromestandard.co.uk/Store-s-extension-plan-wins-approval/story-20341578-detail/story.html#ixzz2o2XfwFJs