Council considers Tesco plan for Risca

Caerphilly county borough council's Planning Committee will consider a major planning application for a new Tesco store in Risca this week (Wednesday 11th November).

The committee will determine the application for a new development on the former Foundry Site off Newport Road in Risca. The proposals include a large supermarket, a petrol filling station, a new footbridge linking the town centre to the site as well as landscaping, a new riverside walk and flood alleviation works.

Cllr Ron Davies, CCBC cabinet member for regeneration, said, "Officers of the council have worked extremely hard to bring about the regeneration of Risca and projects like this can bring about substantial community benefits. The planning committee will look carefully at this application and give full consideration to the proposals before any decision is made."

The plans for the 7.7 hectare site include a store area of 1.02 hectares and 761 car parking spaces.

If the planning application is approved, a legal agreement will also lead to the creation of a 'Tesco Express' store in the former Palace Cinema building. The development would help breathe new life into the historic building, which is located in a key position in the centre of Risca High Street. The Palace site has been in a state of disrepair for a number of years and the whole community is keen for the building to receive a much-needed facelift.

The application will also need to be referred to the Welsh Assembly Government for them to consider whether the development involves planning issues that would warrant taking responsibility away from the council. A number of conditions would also need to be met before the final green light is given.