Via http://www.hayletowncouncil.net/documents/19December2013HTCMinutes.pdf

418    TO RECEIVE A PRE-APPLICATION PRESENTATION FROM CHRISTINE
       TETLOW AND DOUG WILSON OF ASDA REGARDING THE VARIATION
       OF A PLANNING CONDITION

The Mayor invited Christine Tetlow and Doug Wilson to give their presentation. Doug
Wilson informed the meeting that ASDA had wanted to update the Council before putting in
their application to vary a condition. He drew Councillors’ attention to a report he had
previously circulated. ASDA wanted to increase comparison goods from 30% to 40%, which
would amount to one aisle of shelves, to offer something that would encourage shoppers to
return to the store. Mr Wilson said that they were especially keen to add George clothing to
the range of goods on offer.

Councillors pointed out that comparison goods had already been increased to 30% from an
original 20%. They felt that local stores offering clothing, toys, books and stationery would
almost certainly be harmed if the 40% was approved. They were not opposed to competition,
but wanted to protect the variety of shops in Hayle. Mr Wilson replied that ASDA did not
want to harm Hayle and that 70% of residents were already leaving the town to shop. He felt
that the increase in comparison goods would result in more people shopping in Hayle’s
stores. Councillors were interested to know if the increase in comparison goods could be
limited to specific types of items, but Mr Wilson said that this would not be possible. On
request, he agreed to see if he could provide IGD retail analysis data.

It was suggested by Councillors that ASDA could start with the 30% comparison goods they
already had permission for and that this could be raised to 40% if it were shown that there
had been no detrimental impact on other local shops. Other suggestions to increase ASDA
shoppers spending elsewhere in Hayle included extending the time limit for free parking and
advertising other Hayle traders in the new store.

With regard to recruitment of staff for the new store Members said that they would like to see
a policy of recruiting local people wherever possible and suggested that a recruitment office
be opened in the town. Councillors suggested that Mr Wilson contact the Hayle Chamber of
Commerce.

Christine Tetlow informed the meeting that ASDA needed to submit the planning application
soon so that the necessary changes could be made to the inside design of the store and staff
could be recruited within the current deadline. She said that the increase in comparison
goods would not alter the number of staff required, although some Councillors disputed this.
It was expected that 300 staff would be recruited – 30% full time and 70% part time. The
lowest pay rate was currently above the minimum wage.
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The Mayor thanked Doug Wilson and Christine Tetlow from ASDA for their presentation.