War of words as supermarket proposal goes up for approval

City planners have advised that Asda is given planning consent to build a new supermarket on the Home Decor Innovations site off Beighton Road East.

The proposals have divided the community, with 170 people writing letters of support for the scheme, which would create up to 400 new jobs.

However, 54 people have also written to Sheffield Council opposing Asda’s plans, saying a new supermarket would impact on the Crystal Peaks shopping centre and create extra traffic in an already-congested area.

Objections have come from both the owners of Crystal Peaks, Hermes, and Tesco, which was previously refused planning permission to build a new superstore at Halfway.

A spokesman for Asda claimed that more than 95 per cent of visitors to a public exhibition earlier this year voiced support for the proposals.

They also say that “many local residents” have “contacted Asda direct to pledge their support and also to enquire about employment at the store.”

Asda’s senior property communications manager, Philip Bartram, said: “We are extremely pleased our application has been recommended for approval by Sheffield Council.

“The development will generate up to 400 new jobs in the local community and will give shoppers access to Asda’s low prices and outstanding customer service.

“The development will have additional positive impacts for the local economy and includes the relocation of local manufacturing firm Home Decor.

“Home Decor will relocate to a better premises and the investment from Asda will help their manufacturing business grow.

“It is very evident, from the comprehensive feedback gained to date, that local shoppers want more choice and competition, which is always a good thing for consumers.

“Up to 400 new jobs for local people is also clearly seen as hugely beneficial to the area, delivering a major financial boost to south-east Sheffield for many years to come.”

City planners in Sheffield say the pros and cons of the project are “finely balanced”, but have advised councillors approve the plans at the committee meeting which begins at 2pm today.

The planners’ report says: “It is concluded that the benefits of the proposals outweigh the impact on Crystal Peaks district shopping centre and lack of compliance with the industry and business policies.”

In their objection against Asda’s plans, Tesco says that the development would be contrary to planning policy and the new supermarket would compete “head-on” with a nearby Sainsbury’s.

Tesco’s objection letter says: “The Asda proposal claims to provide up to 400 new jobs. This is 50 fewer than proposed by Tesco at Oxclose Park.

“The removal of the Home Decor Innovations business will involve the loss of 115 skilled and semi-skilled professional jobs from the local Waterthorpe area.

“Your council may or may not regard the Tesco proposed food store at Oxclose Park Halfway as a competitor to this proposal. If it is seen as a competitor then the Oxclose Park proposal should be preferred.”

Tesco has already appealed to the Government over Sheffield Council’s rejection of its plans for the Halfway store, and has also submitted a revised planning application in the hope of gaining approval so that the appeal can be dropped.

Spokesman Deborah Hayeems said: “This new application has given us the chance to incorporate the feedback we have received in our consultation with the public, and improve our plans.

“We feel this is the right development for this area.”