The site of an abandoned Sainsbury’s supermarket in Newport, which was once set for significant redevelopment, has unfortunately turned into a dumping ground for fly-tippers, causing distress to local residents. Since private developers withdrew plans to construct 140 apartments on the site in 2016, it has languished empty, becoming an eyesore and a source of embarrassment for the community.
The property, located on Wyndham Street in Shaftesbury, has become a target for illegal fly-tipping activities, with everything from bags of used needles to furniture being discarded there. The Fear Group, the current owners of the site, have struggled to manage the continuous dumping, leading to a growing problem that is visible from the main B4591 route. Local councillors have voiced their concerns about the state of the site, calling it a “bane” for the community.
Efforts to address the issue have been ongoing, with the Fear Group investing thousands of pounds in cleanup operations over the years. However, recent incidents of fly-tipping have reignited the debate over the site’s future. In 2016, plans for a £60 million regeneration project involving 142 apartments and a hotel were shelved, leaving the site in limbo. Despite calls for action, the site has remained undeveloped, exacerbating the frustration of local residents and officials.
Labour councillor Paul Cockeram expressed disappointment with the current state of affairs, highlighting the lack of council jurisdiction due to the site being privately owned. He emphasised the need for housing developments on the site, as outlined in the local development plan, to address the housing shortage in Newport. Cockeram conveyed sympathy for the residents living near the site, who have to endure the unsightly view on a daily basis.
Leon Fear, representing the Fear Group, reiterated the company’s intent to develop the site in the future but cited the challenges posed by the pandemic as a hindrance to immediate progress. Concerns about the site’s security and the persistence of illegal dumping have been ongoing, with the group working closely with the city council to find solutions. Green Party councillor Lauren James echoed public outrage over the situation and urged swift action to address the environmental and aesthetic impact of the site.
The Newport city council has announced an investigation into the recent fly-tipping incident at the former Sainsbury’s site and is collaborating with the Fear Group to address the issue. The council reiterated its commitment to monitoring the area for illegal dumping and enforcing penalties against offenders. Calls for the site’s redevelopment have also been reaffirmed, with hopes for a resolution that benefits the community and eliminates the blight on the neighbourhood.
Efforts to engage with the community and seek viable solutions for the site’s future continue amidst growing discontent over its current state. Despite past setbacks and ongoing challenges, there remains optimism for a positive outcome that aligns with the interests and well-being of Newport residents. Residents and officials alike are united in their desire to transform the former Sainsbury’s site into a thriving hub that enhances the local area and contributes to the city’s growth and development.