Asda is planning to double the size of its Chandler’s Ford store in Hampshire, adding 50,000sq ft of floor space without seeking planning permission.
According to the supermarket it does not need planning permission, as the extension would be an internal mezzanine.
The head of development control for Eastleigh council, Colin Peters is fighting what he calls “a huge breach of the planning system”. Peters refused the chain a certificate of lawfulness, saying the extension was a material change of use that would bring thousands of extra shoppers and cars into the area.
An inquiry has been held and a ruling is expected during the next fortnight. The outcome is critical to all parties, as the Asda plans would create a hyperstore dwarfing any local retail outlets.
If Asda wins this case it will have successfully used a planning loophole and other chains may follow suit. Tesco has also applied for a certificate of lawfulness to extend its Bursledon store also in Hampshire.
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