Council backs new Aldi

SUPERMARKET giant Aldi will add another store to the region after the Toowoomba Regional Council approved its proposal for Highfields.

The 1700sq m application at 71 Highfields Rd, directly opposite another shopping centre, was passed at a special meeting yesterday afternoon.

The development falls within the boundary of the Central Highfields Master Plan, which is being developed by the TRC with the community.

In his submissions, the council’s senior planner Mark Westaway recommended its approval but with a slew of conditions relating to noise limits, traffic, pedestrian access and more trees.

Aldi will also have to build a roundabout on the intersection of Highfields Rd and an access road to mitigate traffic coming to and from the store.

Speaking for the development, Deputy Mayor Carol Taylor praised the company for allowing staff to park in the 85-space lot, which was more spots than the council required.

“I haven’t seen that before as a condition and I’m very happy to see that there, with shopping centres all over the area that are banning their employees and turfing them onto council roads,” she said.

“I thank the officer for putting that in there.”

Aldi submitted the application in November last year, with adjustments made in April.

Only Cr Bill Cahill voted against the development.