Discount chain in bid to expand store and build six homes
PLANS TO RAZE BUILDINGS, ADD WAREHOUSE SPACE AND COOL ROOMS
ALDI wants to expand one of its Leicestershire stores – and build homes nearby.
The discount retailer has drawn up proposals for its store in Syston which would see it increase in size.
It also plans to demolish nearby industrial buildings and replace them with six homes.
Aldi wants to add warehouse space and new cool rooms to its Melton Road store, but the firm says there will also be improvements for customers including better toilets and access.
The number of parking spaces is also set to more than double from 53 to 113.
However, there have been a number of objections to the new homes being built.
Fears over more cars parking nearby on roads including Albert Street and Victoria Street have been raised in letters sent to Charnwood Borough Council planners.
There are also concerns that the homes nearest to the development site will lose some of their privacy as a result of more houses being built.
And objectors claim there is no need for another large supermarket in the town.
Despite the concerns, however, officers at the council have recommended the proposals be approved by councillors on the planning committee next week.
They say the scheme fits within planning policy and conditions of granting permission can be used to mitigate some of the concerns residents have raised.
An Aldi spokesman said: “The vision of the scheme is to create up to six welldesigned two-storey residential dwellings that will improve the area and provide much-needed housing.
“The dwellings will bring character to the area and meet the needs of residents and minimise impact on the environment.
“The proposed new extended store design will provide a good standard of access for all, with operational improvements and greater choice for consumers in the local area, together with an enhanced external appearance. “This scheme can draw on Aldi’s extensive record for undertaking attractive carefully detailed retail development according with national planning guidance and local planning policy.
“The current store is no longer suited to Aldi’s requirements and will be fitted out to meet Aldi’s current merchandising and design standards.
“This proposal ensures Aldi can continue to serve the community in Syston and provide employment far into the future.”
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This proposal ensures Aldi can provide employment far into the future
Store spokesman