New M&S food store could create 50 jobs

Sandal Property Company has announced plans to build the shop on land just off Asdale Road and close to the Adsa superstore and Aldi supermarket.

And the company is inviting people to come and see the proposals, speak to the development team and give feedback on the scheme.

A Sandal Property Company spokesperson said: “Bringing Marks and Spencer Simply Food to Sandal is a major coup.

“ The company looked at a number of sites but this one was by far the most attractive from a sustainability perspective being adjacent to the Asdale Road district centre.

“Not only will the new store increase choice, it will also provide jobs for local residents with 50 positions created at all levels.

“As part of our consultation we want to hear the views of local residents so I would encourage everyone to come along to our public exhibition and to speak to members of the team.”

The design plans will be exhibited on Wednesday, December 9 at St Peter and St Paul’s Church on St George’s Walk, Standbridge Lane, between 2pm and 7pm.

The plans also include highways improvement work to add new lanes to Asdale Road.

Coun Monica Graham, Wakefield South councillor, said: “In terms of bringing employment opportunities to the area, I think the development will be a good thing.

“The obvious benefit is that it could provide new jobs for people in our area.

“But my first thought was one of concern about access to the site and increased traffic around Asdale Road and Standbridge Lane as well as around the roundabouts at Asda.

“That will need to be addressed.”

Following the consultation, the company intends to submit a planning application to Wakefield Council in the new year.