Asda submits £30m plan

The proposed development will also help to meet the council's long held aspiration for a business park on the site, with Asda meeting the 4.5m costs of constructing the necessary infrastructure and providing the first 10,000 sq ft business unit.

Without the Asda investment, the prohibitive cost of funding the initial infrastructure would render the business park no more than a dream.

The application is accompanied by a number of studies covering all aspects of the development- including a full Planning and Retail Statement, an Environment Statement, a Transport Statement, a Statement of Community Involvement and drawings.

Asda spokesman, Tom McGarry said: "We have never before provided this level of detail for an outline planning application- over 900 pages. We have worked hard to make sure the local community has been engaged on our proposals."

"Our public exhibition illustrated an extraordinary level of support for the plans, with 95% of feedback received in favour. This development can help Bognor Regis to realise a bright future - with more quality jobs and an improved shopping choice for local residents."

"We are hopeful that Arun District Council will look upon the application favourably, especially considering the huge public support."

For more details and comment, see this week's Bognor Regis Observer.