PLANS for a new supermarket on the current site of the South Wales Argus in Newport could get the green light next week.

An application to build a Lidl store on the site of the newspaper office in Cardiff Road has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

The Argus announced plans to move to a new location in Newport – yet to be revealed - last summer.

Under the plans the two Argus buildings and next-door neighbours DX Freight will be demolished, to create a single 2.39 acre site.

A total of 50 full-time jobs would be created to build the store, and 45 full-time posts to operate it.

A planning report says the development would bring benefits by demolishing "tired and unattractive buildings" and replacing them with a development which is more visually attractive.

"It would provide an improved access arrangement, a better range and choice of products and is more likely to retain discount food store trips in west Newport," the report adds.

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Concerns were raised by Asda over highway impacts of the development but a planning report says these have since been "adequately addressed."

Two other representations were made, supporting the provision of a supermarket, but also raising concerns.

These include that access onto Cardiff Road will be 'dangerous' and that an increase in traffic would make it 'difficult' to exit Bideford Road.

Access to the site would be via an entrance off Cardiff Road close to the existing entrance to the DX Freight site.

The development would come with 140 parking spaces, 12 short of planning guidance.

However the site is said to be located in a "sustainable location", with frequent bus services and pedestrian links in the area.

The proposal would also provide 20 cycle stands to encourage non-car travel.

Nearby bus stops could also be upgraded under the plans, while Lidl has said it would fund a new bus shelter on Cardiff Road.

Improved pedestrian crossing points and control over deliveries and the number of HGV movements have also been put forward.

The new supermarket, which will replace an existing Lidl off Mendalgief Road, will include an in-store bakery, customer toilets and bicycle parking.

It would bring "significant regeneration benefits" and provide a "visual uplift" to the surrounding area, the planning report says.

Lidl says the Mendalgief Road store is "relatively small" and does not meet operational requirements.

A planning report says "the most likely scenario" is that the store will be replaced with a comparison goods retail warehouse operator.

The plans will be decided by Newport council's planning committee on Wednesday.