PLANS for a new Asda store off London Road in Salisbury have taken a step forward.

The supermarket firm has now submitted a planning applicaion for a store with 40,000 sq ft of sales space at Hampton Park Pavilion near Bishopdown Farm.

The application follows a public consultation event held on April 26, which 350 people attended.

Asda says 79 per cent of the 300 responses so far have indicated support for the proposal, with 17 per cent against and four per cent undecided.

And 78 per cent said they thought that more choice and competition was needed in Salisbury. The reasons given for supporting the proposals were the need for a supermarket in the large housing area, and in northern Salisbury, and a positive impact on Southampton Road traffic. The supermarket would also create 300 jobs.

Those who didn’t support the proposals gave reasons including local traffic congestion and noise, light and litter pollution, as wellas possible problems caused by people parking in the Bishopdown estate to walk to the store.

Based on the feedback, Asda has made changes to the plans, including moving eight metres away from the boundary with Green Lane. They have also removed pedestrian and cycle access from Green Lane to the store.

This is because residents living close to Green Lane, in Lindford Road and Monxton Close, were concerned about loss of privacy and possible issues arising from parking, litter and antisocial behaviour. The pedestrian and cycle access to the site would be from London Road and Pearce Way instead.

A large area of undercover customer cycle parking will also be provided at the store, with four shelters and 32 spaces, which is in addition to spaces for employees.

The plans also include a petrol station, home shopping service and an area of land for community use – which could be a facility such as a doctor’s surgery or left as open space.

Asda is now beginning a meeting programme with local representatives and groups including Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council, Laverstock and Ford Parish Council, The Residents’ Association and John Glen MP. A website is currently being set up to update people on progress.