A GLOBAL communications provider has warned that a proposed discount foodstore on the same business park in Caldicot would be highly damaging to its international business.

Mitel Networks Corporation, which is based in Canada, runs its high tech international headquarters from Mitel Networks Limited at Castlegate Business Park.

The firm has lodged objections to plans by Castlegate Business Park, part of the Robert Hitchens Group, for a 1,140 square metre discount foodstore on the site of a car park, with 122 parking spaces and a 743 square metres of retail space on an under-used part of the existing site.

Under the proposal 237 out of the 514 parking spaces serving the business park will be lost as a result of construction but the scheme will ensure there are 511 spaces by creating two further car parks within the business park.

Access for customers would be from Caldicot Road, with pedestrian access provided and the store open between 8am and 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on a Sunday but Mitel has daily visits from customers from international markets around the world for meetings and demonstrations and is concerned that the image and design of its building would be harmed by a discount store in front of it.

In a letter of objection to Monmouthshire council, planning consultant, Richard Brock, said on behalf of Mitel Networks Ltd, said: 'Mitel Networks Limited consider the prospect of a Discount Foodstore and other retail premises being constructed in the car park area in front of the building to be potentially highly damaging to their business and, in light of this submission, the Directors of Mitel Networks Ltd have frozen all investment at Caldicot until this matter is resolved.’

Mr Brock also raised concerns surrounding increased traffic that would share the entrance to the site and the effects of an out-of-town foodstore on Caldicot Town Centre.

Turley Associates, acting on behalf of the applicant, believe the scheme would provide 30 jobs in the store and more choice for residents, particularly for those on low incomes and says there is a need for the store, especially if 285 new homes are built on Crick Road as part of the council’s local development plan.

It would provide high-quality products at discounted prices and will only carry up to 1,100 lines, will not sell cigarettes or lottery tickets and stock a small range of branded wines, spirits and breadlines and is not a ‘one-stop shop.’

The application has yet to be considered by Monmouthshire council.