Plans for two new budget supermarkets in West Cumbria are set to get the go-ahead.
Aldi’s plans to create a new store in Egremont on the site of the former East Road Esso garage and a larger store in Whitehaven on Preston Street will be discussed by Cumberland Council’s planning committee next week.
The plans for both sites are being recommended for approval subject to conditions.
Aldi initially lodged a planning application for the Egremont site earlier this year – but has since faced requests to provide more details on how the new store would impact traffic in the area.
The plans remained on hold for most of the year – which prompted concerns from townsfolk that Aldi were looking at other sites for a new store in Whitehaven, rather than Egremont.
But Aldi said earlier this year it remained committed to both towns and has been working on plans for an improved, larger store in Whitehaven and a new store in Egremont simultaneously.
A total of 251 letters of support have been lodged for the Egremont store with a further eight objecting to the plans and two submitting neutral responses.
Those in favour of the budget supermarket have said they feel the new store would represent a significant investment in the town, that it would boost the local economy, create employment opportunities and cut down on the need for townsfolk to travel elsewhere for food shopping.
Egremont’s Town Council said it supported the plans for the new store.
Those who have objected to the plans voiced concerns around increases in traffic and how it may impact safety on the roundabout situated next to the site.
Objectors have also said they fear the store could be ‘detrimental’ for existing stores and businesses in the town centre and that the road access and impact for those living close to the site on Wyndham Terrace has not been fully thought out.
Concerns have also been raised around the development and its construction impacting breeding cycles at a nearby racing pigeon loft, which houses 150 birds.
In order for plans for the new Aldi in Egremont to be approved, conditions including a financial contribution of £6,600 must also be met by Aldi for the review of Travel Plan Monitoring reports.
While both National Highways and Cumberland Council’s highways team initially flagged several areas for further examination – including car parking provision, bike provision and pedestrian access from the A595 underpass – both are now issuing no objections to the plans.
National Highways raised a number of holding objections to prevent the determination of the planning application until further information was provided by Aldi in relation to the impact on the A595 and drainage provision.
The organisation has now said it does not believe there will be a capacity issue at the East Road junction due to low flow on the road but that impact is expected on the main roads in the area and the A595 roundabout near the site which can be at or near capacity at certain times of day.
Plans for a larger Aldi store on Preston Street in Whitehaven would also be subject to conditions to be approved, including a financial contribution of £6,600 for the review of the travel plan monitoring reports and a financial contribution of £50,000 towards the delivery of a parallel signal controlled crossing.
The existing Aldi is around 200 metres north of the new site on Preston Street. The new site is currently used as a pay and display car park and Aldi said the site offered limited opportunities for an extension.
The budget supermarket chain said it has explored a number of options to improve customer experience at the existing foodstore for many years as the store has an outdated layout and appearance – but that it felt relocation was its best option.
The new store would have upgraded access from Preston Street, a car park with enough space for 100 cars and will employ 30 full-time employees.
Eight letters have been submitted in support of plans for a larger Aldi store in Whitehaven while three people have objected to it.
Those in favour have said the larger store would be generally beneficial to local people while also making use of neglected land and that an improved, updated store design would make it accessible for disabled people.
Those who have objected to the plans voiced concerns around a lack of desire for Aldi’s current unit and fears it may be left vacant as well as adverse impacts on nearby residential areas.
Decisions are set to be made on both applications on Wednesday, November 27.
If both plans for the new supermarkets are approved – it would see a combined investment of £14 million go into the local economy.
It would also create a total of 50 new, full-time jobs for local people and the retention of staff at the existing Whitehaven store.
Additional employment opportunities during construction of the stores and in the supply chain would also be created.
A spokesperson for Aldi, said: “We’re delighted that officers have recommended approval for both stores.
“We have worked closely with officers and amended both schemes in light of comments received from Cumberland Council Highways and National Highways to develop schemes that are fit for purpose.
“We submitted our applications to Cumberland Council for Whitehaven and Egremont in 2023 and 2024 respectively, following extensive community consultation.
“We were encouraged by the level of support for both stores with over 90 per cent of respondents expressing support for the developments.
“Subject to members of the planning committee agreeing with their officers, we look forward to being part of the community in the near future.”
