Supermarket Morrisons interested in Blackwood store

Supermarket firm Morrisons has confirmed its interest in opening a store in Blackwood – which could create up to 300 new jobs.

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee will discuss an application on March 14 for a supermarket at the Blackwood Gate Retail Park.

Linnell Investments, which owns the site, is seeking permission to change the use of the former Focus DIY store into a supermarket.

However, councillors have been recommended to refuse permission by officers on the grounds that it could harm Blackwood town centre.

The report to be discussed by councillors states: “In considering the submitted Planning and Retail statements there is clear need to take cognisance of the current economic situation affecting retail uses, which is at some contrast to the statements.

“Paragraph 7.25 [of the application] asserts that the proposal will not have a detrimental impact on the vitality or viability of any centre/store. Yet the proposed foodstore is estimated to have an annual turnover of £23 million.

“There can be no doubt that such a diversion of trade would hit Blackwood Town and other town centres hard if the proposal for convenience retailing on Blackwood Gate were approved.”

The 46,000 sq ft unit at Blackwood Gate has been left empty since Focus DIY went bust last year.

Linnell spokesman Howard Moss told The South Wales Argus that he hoped consent would be approved after Morrisons expressed an interest.

He said: “This is the only chance for Blackwood Gate to succeed as a retail park. It would bring around 300 jobs to the area and is just over 100 yards from the High Street.”

A spokeswoman for Morrisons has confirmed the chain was looking at the site.