Magazine 'spills beans' over Sainsbury's bid for former Lec site

The words which have aroused concern among Asda's supporters in the town appear in the latest edition of The Magazine, issued on behalf of the Arun Business Partnership.

Talking about the one-time factory, it states: '...one of the most significant updates is that the former Lec site is going to be redeveloped by Sainsbury's into a fantastic mixed-use site, bringing jobs into the area and returning the retail giant into the town after a gap of almost 20 years'.

It goes on to state: 'Much of the provision will centre around the employment opportunities inherent in the redevelopment as it won't just be Sainsbury's locating here '“ there's the scope for other business units to come in as well.'

The comments precede Arun District Council's decision on the proposals by Sainsbury's and land owner Sime Darby London Ltd by several months.

Councillors are not expected to decide on the plans until about Easter at the earliest.

The Magazine was delivered on Monday. Town councillors who met that evening expressed surprise at the content.

Cllr Paul Wells said: "I am surprised to read about Sainsbury's coming to Bognor. It's beyond belief that this has appeared today."

A comment on the Facebook group, Bognor Regis Needs an Asda, states the article gives the impression that the district council had already made up its mind about the Sainsbury's planning application.

No one from The Magazine's publisher had responded to the Observer's inquiry about the article before the paper went to print.

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