Asda gets just three minutes to tell it all

That's the time limit which the company's representatives have at this afternoon's (Thursday, December 18) crucial council meeting to talk about their store proposals.

Each second is worth 166,666 of investment for the town. But the short time is the standard period allowed for supporters and opponents of schemes to speak directly to members of Arun District Council's development control committee. Asda intends to make the most of the period before the councillors decide their 30m application.

Asda communications manager Tom McGarry said the firm had also been barred from the secret briefing session held for councillors at Arun's offices.

"As the applicant, we have not been invited to even observe proceedings," Mr McGarry stated.

"That's twice the officers will present their report to council members. As the applicant, we will have only three minutes to present our case.

"So, in response, we have sent a short briefing to councillors. It challenges every point raised in the officers' report. We have also given councillors assurances on various other concerns.

"For example, a rumour suggesting that we would turn Oldlands Farm into a retail park rather than provide quality office space and infrastructure has been firmly denied.

"We have done this to make sure councillors are well informed and to compensate for the lack of debate and challenge to the officers' report.

The polling by Populus showed 86 per cent of people around Bognor wanted a new Asda store.

However, as reported in the Observer, planning officers have recommended refusal of the plans for four reasons. These include a flooding risk and the need to protect the town centre.

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