Flood of support for Aldi store on Broxburn site
Community groups and members of the public have come out overwhelmingly in support of Aldi’s proposed plans for a new store in Broxburn – which will create 35 new jobs.
Over 50 members of the public and community groups including representatives of Broxburn Community Council, Uphall Commu n i t y Council and Winchburgh Community Council have written to West Lothian Council to express their support for the proposals.
This follows Aldi’s successful online consultation which took place in June ahead of submitting the planning application.
The retailer wrote to over 2000 local residents to inform them of the proposed development – at Greendykes Industrial Estate – receiving over 250 responses, of which 95 per cent were supportive of the proposals.
Reasons members of the public gave for supporting the proposals included improving shopping choice and increasing competition in the town; reducing travel time travelling to and from the shops; expansion of the area and good pedestrian access.
Philip Johnston, property director of Scotland, Aldi, said: “I’d like to thank members of the public and the community groups that took the time to write to the council to express their support for our proposed store in Broxburn.
“The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and we like to think this is testament to our positive and transparent engagement with local residents and community groups over the last few months.
“It is clear that there is an under provision of a discount supermarket offering in Broxburn and the surrounding area and we are confident that the addition of a new Aldi store will help to address this. The store will help rejuvenate a former industrial site and create up to 35 new full and part-time job opportunities within the town.
“We are confident that with our strong planning case and overwhelming level of public support that planners at West Lothian Council will grant planning consent for our proposals.
“We will continue to engage with and update the local community as we progress our application.”
Gillian Percie, chair of Broxburn Community Council, said: “We wholeheartedly support the planning application for Aldi Broxburn. This will bring a much-needed increase in jobs to the area. Footfall and visitors will be greatly welcome including the update of the surrounding area giving Broxburn additional pride in what we have to offer.”
Lynne McEwen, secretary of Uphall Community Council, agreed, saying: “We feel this would be beneficial for employment opportunities and the environment.
“It would give local residents an extra local shopping opportunity therefore being of great benefit to the area. The plans seem well thought and well considered, and we would encourage this development.”
And Graham Campbell secretary of Winchburgh Community Council, added: “This proposal is of great benefit not only to the Broxburn and Uphall areas, but also Winchburgh and Faucheldean, given their proximity to site. Whilst we have a small number of food shops available in Winchburgh, these are quite small, and it also helps to have some healthy competition.”
The proposed store will deliver a 1315 Sqm food store with 107 parking bays.
Aldi currently has stores in Livingston, Bathgate, Whitburn and Linlithgow, with a second store in Livingston due to open later this year.
“The development at Broxburn will create up to 35 local jobs within the store, together with new jobs during construction and within the Aldi supply chain.
Following the online consultation, and submission of the planning application for a new store this month, it is anticipated that the new store will open and welcome shoppers in spring 2022.