Asda set to fight back

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.

"We have tried to engage the council on ways we can link the site and the town centre, sadly to no avail."

n a failure by Asda to show other sites less at risk from flooding had been thoroughly assessed:

"Our flood risk assessment shows that this development is sound. All in all, we are surprised at the report and find it remarkable the council want to turn down jobs and investment during the economic downturn."

Overwhelming support for the Asda proposals is shown in the council's committee report.

No objections, the official planning speak for backing, have been raised by Bersted, Bognor Regis and Middleton councils back the scheme along with Bognor Regis Ltd, Bognor Regis Civic Society, West Sussex County Council, the county highways officer and the county archaeological officer.

The Highways Agency, Southern Water, Natural England and Sussex Police have also raised no objections, along with Arun's environmental health officers and engineers.

A total of 36 written responses have also been received by the council.

The breakdown of their comments is given as: 30 support an Asda supermarket in Bognor, 12 support Asda at the proposed site and seven object to the scheme.

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