AN INQUIRY into a proposal to build a new Tesco Express in Rogerstone ended today.

Newport City Council had twice turned down the proposal following a 600 signature from residents.

Patrick Clarkson QC told the Planning Inspectorate of Wales at Newport civic centre that the council’s approach to whether Tesco would move into the current site was “extraordinary”.

He also argued that the council’s evidence on noise was based on subjective concerns of residents.

The submission that enough parking could be provided on the current site was “on best case inefficient, and on worst case fantasy,” he added.

The alternative, where Tesco would open on the current site without restrictions would be worse for residents than the appeal scheme, he said.

For the council David Lintott said the proposed development would have an unacceptable impact on 110 and 112 Cefn Road, saying there would be noise from customers.

He added that the new proposal would cause more safety problems.

However Mr Clarkson said the evidence of Carl Jones of Newport City Council, who said that the alternative plan was preferable because two lorries could deliver at once, was the opposite of what he said to the planning committee.

He added that Rogerstone councillor Val Dudley, who spoke yesterday, said that the alternative was “probably” a worse situation.

Although vice-chair of the council’s planning committee, Mr Lintott said that she did not represent the views of the whole committee. She had not been on the committee at the original application.

The parties agreed a number of possible conditions, including restricting operating times from 7am till 11pm seven days a week, and restrictions on size of delivery vehicles.

Tubulcain Investments applied for costs. A site visit was held yesterday.

The inspector's final decision will be made in the near future.