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THE battle of the superstores in Amesbury enters a new phase tomorrow when councillors consider three separate applications from rivals Tesco and Asda.

Planning officers have recommended that all of them be refused by Salisbury District Council's northern area committee.

Tesco has submitted two virtually identical proposals for a London Road store of 5,564 square metres with 358 parking spaces, while Asda proposed a 6,131 square metre superstore with 360 parking spaces at Solstice Park.

It also wants to operate an internet shopping delivery service from the site.

Asda's plan is the one preferred by Stonehenge Chamber of Trade and by Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce.


Fears over town centre trade


Local businesses have expressed fears that Tesco would harm town centre trade by opening sub-units within the store, such as a pharmacy or post office, though Tesco has denied any intention to do so.

Traders are also concerned that a retail park could be developing by default on London Road, and that the road cannot cope with the volume of traffic, including delivery lorries.

The Chamber of Trade's submission to planners says: "The Solstice Park site has all the highways in place and wouldn't intrude on local residents.

"As for the town centre, we believe we can work with Asda.

Discussions have taken place which we have found encouraging, with proposals to promote the town centre within their store and the possibilities of linked trips for shoppers between themselves and the town.

"The future of Amesbury's town centre lies with specialist independent shops." It adds Asda would bring much-needed choice, competition and employment to the area.


Old Co-op site preferred


But retail consultants have advised the council a superstore on either site would have a harmful effect on town centre trade.

Officers argue a supermarket in the old Co-op store on Salisbury Street would be preferable.

Tesco's plan would clog up the junction of London Road and the A345, which is already close to capacity during peak periods, they say, while Asda's development would only be accessible by car, would have an "adverse visual impact" on the landscape and would also mean the loss of a strategically important employment site.

Aldi confirmed this week it is still interested in opening a store in Amesbury.

It was in talks involving the old Co-op store, but would not say whether this was still its preferred option.

11:10am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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