Rejection of Asda store will cost Bognor £8m

That is the sum which is expected to be earned by the 150 full-time and 300 part-time workers at the proposed store and the some 700 people employed at the neighbouring business park.

The figures are revealed among the mass of evidence presented to Arun District Council by Asda to support its application for Oldlands Farm.

This scheme for a store with 4,459 sq m of selling space will be debated by the council's development control committee this afternoon (Thursday, December 18).

The estimated total yearly wage bill has been split evenly by Asda's planning agent, Drivers Jonas, between those at the intended store and the business park.

"Good-quality businesses and employers will attract and retain a skilled workforce and reduce the need for out-commuting from the district for work.

"Retaining a skilled workforce would create a net improvement in local unemployment levels.

"And the higher wages/salaries earned by employees will be circulated into the local service economy, particular Bognor town centre."