Green light to build new supermarket
DISCOUNT retailer Aldi has been given the green light to start work on a new store for a major housing development.
Harborough District Council has approved plans for the supermarket in Broughton Astley.
To be located on land off Broughton Way, the store will serve a 310-home estate which will be developed in stages.
Work has already begun on the first homes, a scheme which is part of Broughton Astley’s neighbourhood plan - dubbed the Big Plan.
The village was among the first in the country to have its plan adopted - it provides a blueprint for future development in the area as sanctioned by residents.
The 13,500 sq ft store will have parking for 118 cars and is expected to create around 40 new jobs.
An Aldi spokesman said: “We’re delighted that our plans have been approved and would like to thank the local community for their support during the consultation.
“Many residents told us that they currently travel to our existing stores outside of Broughton Astley so we are pleased that the new store will allow local people to save travel time and costs when shopping with Aldi in the future.
“We are currently planning our build schedule and will keep the local community updated once we have a clearer idea as to when the store will be expected to open.”
Aldi held a public exhibition to display the plans to the local community in September 2015 and more than 89% of respondents to the consultation supported the proposals, specifically highlighting the good location of the store and how there is a need for increased shopping choice in Broughton Astley.
Part of a wider scheme, the store will serve the new estate which is being constructed by Jelson Homes.
Further housing is expected from William Davis Homes and Davidson Homes over the next four years. Sports facilities, a new medical centre and a petrol station are also planned.
The Big Plan was approved by Harborough District Council in December 2013 and was one of the first in the country to be approved.
Employment opportunities for Aldi will be advertised once the store has a scheduled opening date.