Last chance for public to see what Asda store is planning at Oldlands Farm

Representatives from the Asda development team will be holding two public information days at the end of October where people will be able to ask questions about the plans.

Proposals were submitted to Arun District Council in January and are currently being examined by consultants.

They want to look at the retail and employment impact of the development on the town.

Asda's property communications manager, Tom McGarry said: "It has been almost a year since our public exhibition on the proposals, which amount to an investment of 30m in Bognor Regis.

"We received a huge amount of public support for our plans but a long time has passed since we first consulted local people.

"Therefore we feel it is important to give residents the opportunity to have another look at the plans and ask any questions of the development team."

Mr McGarry said he understood that the council needed time to consider such an important application but said the company was hoping that a decision would be made shortly.

"We understand they have to go through the necessary processes and procedures to make an informed recommendation to their members.

"We are currently responding to Arun's consultants on their retail and employment analysis. The council has also requested some additional information on highways from us, which we are also progressing very quickly."

"However, a lot of local people support our proposals, including the town council, Bersted Parish Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

"We don't want to keep them waiting for a decision and hope that the council will be in a position to determine the application in November."

A spokesman from Arun District Council said: "The council is considering this application in the same way as it does all other major applications. Asda is aware of the queries and issues that have been raised as a result and has agreed to work with the consultants as they carry out their necessary analyses.

"The decision to determine the application in November, 2008 has been agreed with Asda, as have all other deadlines and timescales relating to the application.

* The public information days will be held at the Hotham Arts Centre, Belmont Street, Bognor Regis on Thursday, October 30, midday-8pm and on Friday, October 31, 10am-4pm at the Regis Arts Centre, Belmont Street.

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