Superstore given green light as part of area regeneration

Work on the new store, which will have a 38,000 sq ft sales area and 350 car parking spaces, is set to begin soon and the supermarket should open at the end of next year.

The development is part of a wider regeneration scheme in Parson Cross, which will also include a new public square, library, health centre and shops.

Philip Bartram, property communications manager for Asda, said he was "delighted" with the planning board's decision.

He said: "At a time of economic uncertainty our plans represent a significant boost to the local economy, both for jobseekers and shoppers alike.

"Since we announced our plans for a new store last year, we've been bowled over by the support we have received from the local community.

"We are looking forward to bringing forward a new store that will be a key cornerstone of local community in Parson Cross."

As part of the new development, Asda will set up a Local Employment Partnership (LEP) targeting jobseekers. Since 2008, ASDA has recruited 6,900 members of staff through LEPs and a further 200 workers through Remploy.

Environmentally-friendly features, such as natural lighting, a combined heat and power boiler and units that recycle hot air from the bakery to heat other areas of the store, mean that the new supermarket will be 38 per cent more energy efficient than an Asda site built in 2005.

The interim director of housing and regeneration at Sheffield Council, Miranda Plowden, said: "The new store is integral to creating a new district centre in Parson Cross. It is a key development in our strategy for thriving district and local centres in Sheffield.

"The area will bea focal point for the local area alongside Chaucer Business and Enterprise College."