A SUPERMARKET chain says its campaign for a new store in Poole is gaining momentum as a long-awaited decision on the proposal looms.

Aldi’s plans for the former confectionary factory site in Alder Road, Branksome, have received more than 400 people expressing support for the new store. The discount supermarket said the scheme represents a multi-million-pound investment in the area and would provide 40 jobs.

BCP Council’s planning committee is expected to discuss the plans at a meeting later this month.

Aldi is encouraging people to make their voices heard. Four-hundred-and-eleven letters of support have been submitted since the application was submitted in 2020 and now more than 670 people have declared their support through a website set up by supermarket.

The new store would be built on the former Parrs factory, which, in its disused state, has attracted anti-social behaviour.

An initial application to open a store on the site was rejected in 2019.

Lee McCandless, Aldi property director, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all the local people who are making clear their support for a new store on Alder Road.

“Aldi wants to bring the people of Branksome the high quality, discount food store it clearly wants, and, in the face of continued delays by the council, it is important that residents make their desire for this store clear.

“There has been huge support for these proposals, yet the council continue to refuse to upload all of the supportive comments from residents to the planning portal.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Poole that could see a multi-million-pound investment in the local area and deliver everyday low prices and fantastic quality for customers, whilst also increasing choice and providing 40 jobs for local people.”

Details of the plans can be found on BCP Council’s planning portal and residents can also back Aldi’s scheme by visiting supportaldipoole.co.uk and completing a short form.