Retail giant’s bid for new store
DISCOUNT supermarket chain Aldi want to build a new, bigger store in Accrington - just yards from Asda.
The German firm wants to shut its existing out-ofdate branch in Argyle Street and replace it with a larger, modern one on vacant land in Hyndburn Road.
The 1.5 acre site - between Steiner Street, Portland Street and Frederick Street - is just 150 yards from the superstore on the other side of the road.
The land has been empty for some years after a old terraced houses were cleared and subject to fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour.
If approved the 1,300-square metre landscaped development will safeguard existing jobs at the Argyle Street store and also create 10 to 15 new ones.
There would be a new junction onto Hyndburn Road capable of use by heavy lorries.
Council leader Miles Parkinson welcomed the planning application to Hyndburn council by Barnfield Investments on behalf of the chain.
He said: “This is good news.
“It is gateway site subject to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
“It is a vote of confidence in Accrington and the borough and should prove very popular. It will keep Asda on its toes.”
The planning statement in support of the application said: “Aldi has a longstanding requirement to replace its store with a newly formatted and larger premises to meet an identified need for discount food retail in the town. The Argyle Street site is to be closed with the opening of the new Hyndburn Road premises.
“The proposal offers significant regenerative benefits on the main arterial route into Accrington; on a site blighted by antisocial behaviour and flytipping.
“This proposed development does not represent additional challenge to the shops and services of Accrington, but simply revitalises the already established Aldi offering in a modern and refreshed format.
“The site occupies a prominent ‘Gateway’ location along Hyndburn Road, which is the main road into Accrington from the M65.
“The site is brownfield, having had a number of now demolished terraced properties located on it. The backdrop to this application is one of policy support for economic growth at a time of great challenge.
“The development proposal will provide a contemporary building design that will be complementary to the visual character of the surrounding area on a principal route into Accrington.”
Coun Marlene Haworth, leader of the Conservative group, said: “If it is using a site blighted by fly-tipping it must be good news.
“But what will happen to the site of the existing store in Argyle Street?”