This is an artist’s impression of the controversial proposed superstore dividing opinion in Wetherby.
Leeds-based Asda wants to build a supermarket three-quarters of a mile outside of the market town’s centre.
While some welcome the variety and competition the new store would bring, others are strongly opposed to it.
Local butcher Andrew Veale, of Andrew’s Traditional Butchers on North Street, told the YEP it would “kill off trade”.
Councillor Alan Lamb (Con, Wetherby) said an Asda supermarket would have a “detrimental effect” on the town centre.
Opinions are split, and Coun Lamb urged members of the public to air their views.
He said: “The view of the town council is in favour of the Asda site as it provides more choice for shoppers and more competition for Morrison’s [already located in Wetherby’s town centre].
“As a ward councillor I find it would have a detrimental effect on the town centre and be damaging to independent traders, who have been there for years.
“What I would really encourage is for people to make their views known as the planning procedure has by no means come to an end and opinion is quite clearly divided.”
If approved the new 25,000 sq ft Asda store would be built on the A168 Hudson Way, adjacent to the Sandbeck Industrial Estate, complete with a petrol filling station and 265 car parking spaces.
It would create more than 200 new jobs. Asda has organised a second public exhibition to be held on Wednesday from 1pm until 7pm, this time at Deighton Gate Primary School, Deighton Road, Wetherby, LS22 7XL.
Philip Bartram, Asda’s senior property communications manager, said: “We’ve been very pleased with the response so far from residents but we are keen to ensure that as many local people as possible have the opportunity to air their views.
He added that an “overwhelming majority” of visitors expressed support for the plans at the first public exhibition held back in March.
For more information, or to submit your views on application number 12/01715/FU visit the City Council’s plans portal at publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk.
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