ASDA’S plans for a supermarket in Salisbury have won the support of the city council’s planning committee.

But the company’s desire to open the store 24 hours a day is causing concern.

Councillors recommended that because it will be in a residential neighbourhood, opening hours should be 7-11, Monday to Saturday, with the usual restricted Sunday trading.

They were also worried about the effect of extra traffic in the area, and called for a 30mph speed limit along London Road as far as the A338 roundabout and for a rethink about access to the site for bus passengers, to encourage customers to use public transport.

Earlier in its meeting at the Guildhall on Monday the committee had been given a presentation on the scheme by representatives of the company.

Cllr Tom Corbin said afterwards that when other potential uses for the site were taken into account, this was “an awful lot better than what could go there instead”.

Cllr Colin Froude, who is vice chairman and secretary of Bishopdown Farm Residents’ Association, said there were still points that needed sorting out, including pedestrian access from Green Lane and lighting at the southern end of the lane.

But there was a need for facilities in the area, particularly with 500 new homes going up at Riverdown View, and the company was doing its best to work with residents.

A public consultation on the plans has now expired and Wiltshire Council planners hope a decision will be reached by mid-August.