Councillors give Aldi green light for second store
GERMAN giants Aldi are to build their second store in Loughborough.
Planning permission for the supermarket retailer was granted by Charnwood Borough Council at a planning committee meeting on Thursday, December 7.
Aldi first submitted an application for a new store in March this year, and revealed that the site - which lies between the A6004 and Allendale Road - would also include a drive-through Costa coffee shop and three additional retail units.
The company told the Echo that the development would represent a significant multi-million-pound investment into the local economy and create around 100 jobs.
A spokesperson from Aldi told the Echo that the new store will “provide residents with unfettered access to high-quality produce at discounted prices.”
They said that it would save shoppers money and help reduce travel times for those who travel out of the area to complete their weekly food shop.
Speaking at the planning committee Coun Renata Jones said: “I see no problem with this and it looks like a good thing, and I think it will be good for the area.”
Coun Christine Harris said that she feels that the new store has “alot to offer” to local residents.
Ward councillor David Hayes told the Echo he thinks that the new shop will provide “more choice for residents of quality and cost effective shopping.”
Robin Williams speaking on behalf of Aldi at the meeting said that that new store would be a “major investment” in Loughborough, and said that the need for a second store in the town was much needed.
He said that the other store on Belton Road is currently constantly “over crowded” and that the new store on Allendale Road would relieve some of the pressure on this store.
He said: “Trading has been going extrememly well at the other store in Loughborough and we are looking to expand.
He added that he believes the store provides something different to what is currently in the area because of the drive-thru coffee shop and other retail units.
Also mentioned was the Dishley Grange community centre, and Robin said that because this centre with shops is yet to be granted planning permission, then it was even more important that the Aldi store was given the green light.
Just last week a planning application for the new community centre was submitted, and Robin said that because of the number of houses in the Grange Park area that a second supermarket was needed - other than the Tesco on Park Road.