Green light for Asda as Glass Houghton store wars continue

Wakefield Council’s planning and highways committee originally approved the proposals at a meeting in February .

But a council spokeswoman said the permission was subject to a legal agreement, which has now been completed.

The plans include an extension of the Leeds Road store including a mezzanine floor, bigger sales space, a wider site access, a new pedestrian crossing and extra car parking.

The extension will create around 50 full and part-time jobs.

The approval follows the council’s decision to refuse plans for a new Aldi supermarket and Home Bargains store in Glass Houghton earlier this month.

The council’s planning committee rejected the proposals over fears they could “significantly impact” trade on Castleford town centre.

At the meeting in February, the council approved plans for the £135m Five Towns Park retail development, which also includes a new stadium for Castleford Tigers.

The proposals also include a food store, a petrol station, high quality shops and a country park on land just off junction 32 of the M62.

Government ministers are currently deciding whether or not they need to intervene.

A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: “We are currently considering whether to call in this planning case - having received requests to intervene.

“It is a very complex case, which needs careful consideration, and a decision will be issued in due course.”

Sainsbury’s plans to transform the B&Q store at Glass Houghton into a supermarket will also be heard at a public inquiry in October.