Asda plans expansion in Old Kent Road store war

Walmart's UK subsidiary wants to add a mezzanine level to the Asda store it opened three and a half years ago, expanding the retail area by 50 per cent.

Asda says that it will use the extra space to expand its non-food range, including George clothing, music, video, kitchen and tableware, car care products and electricals.

The mezzanine deck – which would add 3 metres to the height of the building – would be linked to the ground floor with a travelator.

The company estimates that the proposed extension would create an additional 100 jobs.

A separate planning application proposes the creation of a double-deck car park with an extra 168 spaces, providing parking for a total of 502 vehicles.

The car park proposal has already prompted an official objection from Southwark Cyclists: "The area is very well-served by public transport and more private cars should not be encouraged," writes coordinator Barry Mason.

Tesco last month submitted a planning application to rebuild its Old Kent Road site – less than half a mile from Asda – to include more than 350 homes and a larger store.