Asda set to fight back

Tom McGarry, Asda's property communications manager, said each of the recommended reasons for refusal could be dismissed:

n the land is identified for commercial and industrial purposes:

"This site, zoned for a business park, has been undeveloped ever since the council decided it wanted a business park there," he said. "Put simply, Asda's plans will create 500 jobs and is the only employment-generating development that can provide the signficant investment to deliver the proposed business park and meet the council's policy aim."

n the proposals fail to show enough demand exists for the office development which Asda proposes:

"The council has allocated this land to attract office employers to the town. Asda's proposal seeks to deliver modern high-quality office space. Refusing planning permission because we have not proven a demand for the type of space that facilitates the employment the council is seeking to attract to the town is illogical and contradicts their first point of refusal."

n the proposal would harm the vitality and viability of the town centre:

"This ignores the case put forward by Asda that there is a clear need for a foodstore to improve choice and competition for local residents.