ONE of the final hurdles to a 35,000-square-foot supermarket and 300 jobs for a Valleys' town has been cleared.

The planning committee of Blaenau Gwent county borough council have given planning permission on reserved matters such as the detailed design and type of materials used for the Asda superstore for Brynmawr.

The Argus exclusively reported in June that the chain won outline planning permission for the store to be situated on the former site of the historic domed Dunlop Semtex building.

The rubber factory, which inspired the Sydney Opera House, was controversially demolished in 2001 following years of neglect.

Now it is hoped the proposed supermarket will breathe life into an area of Brynmawr in need of regeneration.

The Lakeside housing development by Persimmon Homes has already sprung up on the site.

The Asda development includes four separate retail units, a family pub/restaurant and 500 car-parking spaces.

Construction could begin as soon as September and be finished by Easter of next year.

Blaenau Gwent council leader and Brynmawr councillor John Hopkins said: "I'm delighted with the decision.

"The 300 jobs it will bring are badly needed within the area. The site is now developing into a prestigious development and it augurs well for the future. I'm 100% sure the Asda store will complement the towns of Brynmawr and Nantyglo - I don't think it will take trade away."

A spokeswoman for Asda said: "This is great news and we look forward to continuing working on the planning application."