Asda: Poll shows residents want our new store in Bognor

The results of the survey showed residents in every area around the town wanted to see an Asda opened, the Observer can reveal.

The company wants to build a store at Oldlands Farm off the A29 and create 550 jobs as well as put 30m into the site.

The poll showed:

* 86 per cent of local people would like to see a new Asda store in Bognor;

* 82 per cent believe Oldlands Farm is a good site for a supermarket;

* 70 per cent favour Asda over any other new supermarket. Second was Sainsbury's on just 15 per cent;

* 93 per cent think councillors should be influenced more by the views of local people than planning officers; and

* the top three demands of local people for a new supermarket are: low prices, the quality of goods and services and the creation of jobs.

Asda property communications manager Tom McGarry said: "I think this demonstrates that not just Bognor residents support our application. People from across the area resoundingly welcome our proposals.

"We were the supermarket of choice in every electoral ward."

This backing contrasted with what he described as persistent delays and negativity from Arun District Council's officers. It is likely to take 11 months between the application being submitted to the council last January and being considered by members on December 18.

"We were disappointed to hear the application will not be determined in November," said Mr McGarry.

"But, once again, we understand planning officers have to consider information on all planning applications carefully and that this takes time.

"However, the results of this poll show the people of this district want a supermarket choice and Asda is the clear favourite for new supermarket development in the Arun district.

"Local people don't want any more deferrals or delays. They deserve a decision in December."

The polling was carried out by Populus, the pollsters for The Times, among a random sample of 1,000 residents from Aldwick East and West, Barnham, Bersted, Felpham East and West, Hotham, Marine, Middleton, Orchard, Pagham and Rose Green, Pevensey, Walberton and Yapton.

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