FURIOUS residents are once again hitting out at Asda over plans to extend the 40,000 square foot superstore’s opening times.
Last month The Standard reported how the Smallwood supermarket, which opened in November on Jinnah Road, was hoping to get planning permission to trade 24 hours a day.
Now, Asda bosses have changed their application to opening between 6am and midnight – adding an additional four hours to its daily trade.
Application 2015/368/S73 proposes a revision of planning permission 2014/036/FUL to allow extended hours on Monday to Saturday with Sundays, bank and public holidays remaining the same.
Currently the store is open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and between 10am and 4pm on a Sunday.
Smallwood Residents Association (SRA) previously voiced their concerns on the effects of 24-hour signage and lighting, increased traffic and parking, extended alcohol sales and additional footfall in the area.
They wrote to the company’s chief executive, Andy Clarke, following the 24 hour application, asking his team to ‘do the decent neighbourly thing’ and withdraw the application.
And they say the new proposals are still not good enough.
An Asda spokesperson said: “Since opening, our store has proven popular and our application for longer trading hours was submitted due to our customers requesting longer hours to better suit their shopping habits.
“We’re aware of some local concern and we take community relationships seriously and strive to be a good neighbour. “As such, we have amended our application from 24 hours to 6am to midnight on Monday to Saturday.
“A decision on the application has not yet been issued and we will continue to engage with stakeholders.”
