Everything we know about Asda's plans to come to Salisbury

Revealed to the Journal last week, the retailer plans to set up on land off Hampton Park Roundabout in Bishopdown, and a public exhibition is coming up to give locals the chance to find out more and ask the Asda team questions.

From previous applications to resident concerns, below is everything we know about the venture so far.

What's on offer?

The latest proposals outline plans for a 30,000sqft Asda store on land off the A30, with petrol station, drive-thru and restaurant on offer.

The supermarket added this development could create up to 250 jobs.

The store says it would have capacity for an online grocery operation, which would provide home delivery and ‘click and collect’ services to customers in Salisbury, and land around the store would be developed to create a green space.

An Asda spokesperson said: “This proposal will see us invest in Salisbury for the long-term, bringing jobs and new opportunities to the city, as well as fulfilling customer demand for a convenient, competitively priced grocery offer on their doorstep.

“We previously received a high level of support for this development and would like to invite the community to engage with us once again, giving them the chance to ask questions about our plans for the future of this site.”

Wasn't Asda given permission years ago?

In short - yes! The retailer previously had planning permission approved by Wiltshire Councillors for the same location, but after allowing this application to lapse a fresh proposal is now being considered.

Confirmed by a spokesperson from the supermarket, Asda was previously given permission in 2015, but the team allowed the application to expire as they were not fully committed to the plans for the site at that stage.

Asda says it is committed to the area and owns the site, and believes the time is now right to bring forward revised plans.

Following the latest announcement, Nick Botterill, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for development control, told the Journal: “There is a historic planning permission for a supermarket at London Road but this has expired.

"The reason for this planning permission not being pursued is a matter for the applicant to address and not the local planning authority. There have been no relevant discussions between the local planning authority and applicant since the original decision was made. 

“Enquiries relating to any pre-planning application publicity for the site now should be directed to those undertaking the publicity exercise and not the local planning authority.”

Hampton Park Roundabout, Salisbury - Picture from Google Street View

What have you said?

Residents have already taken to social media to express their thoughts on the plans, with several raising concerns about traffic build up, and the need for a supermarket of this type in the St Peters Place and Wilton areas instead.

Despite this, others have welcomed the store’s announcement, as it would bring more product selection to the city and may alleviate Southampton Road congestion.

Councillor Alan Bayliss, of Milford Ward, where the supermarket would be built, said the new venture would provide “easier access to food shopping for residents in the ward and the surrounding areas”.

Echoing concerns about traffic however, he added: “My main concern is the impact on traffic, which would need to be managed carefully.

"This is a big unknown as, personal preference, not just locality plays a big part in where people go to shop.”

If plans are approved, when will Asda arrive in Salisbury?

This is currently unknown, and will not be disclosed until the most recent planning application is approved.

What next?

Further information will be available as part of a public exhibition on Saturday, November 20, between 2.30pm and 7.30pm, at the Hampton Park Pavilion, where the Asda project team will be available to answer questions.

Cllr Charles McGrath, also of Milford, is encouraging residents to take part in this consultation.

He said: “It will be a great opportunity for residents of Bishopdown Farm, Hampton Park, Riverdown Park and elsewhere to have their say and make sure the development reflects the needs of the community, both in terms of the store itself as well as the related issues of traffic management and connectivity.”

What if I can't make the consultation?

You can share your thoughts and questions with the Asda team by visiting its web page dedicated to the Salisbury proposals.

Comments must be submitted by November 27.

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