THE battle of the supermarket giant against the people continues as Tesco vow to set up shop in Rogerstone.

A barrister speaking at a planning inquiry into the proposed store told the Planning Inspectorate of Wales that it was "no skin off Tesco’s nose" if residents were disturbed by deliveries at the store.

Newport Council have twice turned down a planning application submitted by developer Tubalcain investments Ltd, after a 600 signature petition from residents, over fears the store would cause traffic problems and parking issues.

But the company, who already own the former car sales site on Cefn Road, could move into the existing building and set up a Tesco Express without the need of any additional planning approval, but want to create a purpose built store.

Councillors voted against officers recommendations last month for the second time to give the proposal the green light, saying they would not be "blackmailed" into making a decision.

Patrick Clarkson, speaking on behalf of Tubalcain said the store would open without restrictions, 24 hours a day if the appeal was refused and warned this plan would mean uncontrolled conditions at the site.

Mr Clarkson put it to Rogerstone councillor Stephen Jones that it would be “no skin off Tesco’s nose” if the residents of Cefn Road, who live next to the site, were woken by the lorries leaving day or night if they went ahead with their alternative unrestricted proposal.

Speaking for Newport City Council, David Lintott said the site would have a significant level of disturbance to 110-112 Cefn Road, which lie adjacent to the sites. He added that the Tesco would have an “unacceptable” impact to nearby roads.

Mr Jones said that, as the building would be demolished and constructed further back in the site, it would cause more noise than if the store opened at the current building.

Four residents spoke at the inquiry over their concerns of parking and noise from deliveries.

Others said that the noise would disturb nearby residents, while Allan Parsons of Bethesda Baptist Church said they would not reach an agreement with Tesco to allow parking on the site.

The inquiry continues.