Bigger Aldi greenlit – with flood measures
ALDI is poised to demolish one of its stores and build a bigger one in its place in Widnes.
The supermarket chain’s application to bulldoze its Green Oaks Way outlet and construct a replacement is due to be decided by town hall chiefs at Halton Borough Council’s upcoming development control committee meeting on Monday, August 9.
Planning officers have recommended the plans for approval, subject to conditions including dealing with “flood risk issues”.
According to Halton Council, the site lies within a “Flood Zone 2” area meaning medium chance of flooding or between 0.1% and 1% per year, and some in a Flood Zone 3 area meaning a high chance of flooding of 1% and above.
Further details for dealing with flooding have been sought due to the flood risk assessment provided by Aldi being deemed “deficient”.
The plans also encompass an unregistered strip of land, which Aldi will need to deal with to allow the widening of a footpath.
Overall, the plans have been earmarked “acceptable in principle” and are expected to be more energy efficient.
A council report published ahead of the upcoming decision meeting said: “The proposed food store would replace an existing one, providing a more modern energy efficient building, with a net increase of 430m2 (square metres) of gross external area.
“The existing site is considered to be sequentially preferable as there are no other suitable sites available within or on the edge of the town centre.
“The development is considered to be acceptable in principle.
“The layout, design and appearance of the building is acceptable and would not harm the character and appearance of the area.’’
The report concludes: “The proposal would not have a significant impact on the highways, and any potential effects relating to contamination and species and habitat protection can be mitigated by the use of planning conditions.”