ASDA submit smaller foodstore plans for Larkhall

Dec 2 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

SUPERMARKET giants ASDA have submitted amended plans to build a smaller store in Larkhall.

ASDA – owned by American firm Wal-Mart – and Muse Developments want to erect a store which is about one third smaller than the original plans.

They have lodged proposals with South Lanarkshire Council to build a 20,000 sq ft store in Broomhill Gate, behind Larkhall Leisure Centre.

The new store would provide 160 full and part-time jobs – significantly less than the 350 jobs when the original proposals for a 31,000 sq ft supermarket were submitted in July 2009.

ASDA bosses insisted the smaller store plan followed discussions with council planners.

Sarah Mills, acting property communications manager in Scotland for ASDA, said: “Following detailed discussions with the planners, it was agreed the revised application would best meet the needs of the local community in terms of the size of store and access routes.

“As a result of those discussions, the revised application is felt to be the most appropriate way of progressing with the overall development.

“There is significant support within Larkhall for an ASDA store and we are keen to fulfil this demand.

“We will continue to work closely with South Lanarkshire Council, Larkhall Community Council, and residents and look forward to bringing ASDA to Larkhall.”

Alongside the foodstore, ASDA and Muse Developments submitted a second application for a mixed-used development comprising residential properties and much-needed facilities.

The mixed-use development surrounding the store would include 367 houses, a children’s nursery, a 60-bed care home, a medical centre, restaurant, and associated car parking.

In November 2009, ASDA’s rivals, Tesco, Britain’s largest supermarket group, submitted long-awaited plans for a major store in the town.

They want to build a supermarket on land which is currently occupied by Larkhall Thistle and part of Raploch Bowling Club at 75-77 Raploch Street.

The new store would create 150 full and part-time positions.

The junior football team will have to leave Gasworks Park so that Tesco can build a 25,000 sqft store on the land and also part of Raploch Bowling Club’s ground at 75-77 Raploch Street.

Discussions were ongoing between the club, Tesco and the council on where the new stadium will be built.

A council spokesman said: “We have met with Tesco and Larkhall Thistle regarding the re-location of the club’s ground.

“No agreement has been reached in regard to the sale of land for a new stadium but discussions are still ongoing.”

The council’s planning department are likely to make recommendations on the two proposals early next year.