New Aldi store in Poole could be refused - here's why

Aldi’s plans for the former Parr's confectionary factory site in Alder Road, Branksome, have received representations from more than 400 people expressing support for the new store.

But council planners have recommended the plans are refused - and they still consider the land could be used for a care home and specialist accommodation.

The discount supermarket said the scheme represents a multi-million-pound investment in the area and would provide 40 jobs.

Read more: Aldi rallying call for support over plans for Branksome store

What BCP Council say

The report to members of the BCP Council's planning committee on Thursday said: "The proposed development would result in the loss of the site allocation for the provision of a care home and specialist accommodation housing that would contribute towards the delivery of suitable housing to meet the needs of an ageing population and for which there is a clearly identified need and that is of strategic importance in meeting the objectives of the Poole Local Plan in favour of a form and use of development for which there is no objectively assessed need and that is not of strategic importance.

"The submitted evidence/information fails to sufficiently justify why the strategic site allocation would not be suitable, deliverable and needed over the plan period to meet the housing needs of the ageing population and therefore why a departure from the development plan should be permitted."

Read more: New Aldi store in town finally set to open opposite Tesco

It adds: "The proposed development would result in a significant level of trade diversion from the existing Aldi store that is located within the defined Wallisdown local centre due to the overlapping catchment of the existing and proposed stores that could lead to the closure of the existing store."

The report says the applicant has failed to identify how the new store would not "have a significant adverse impact on the health of, and existing investment within, the Wallisdown local centre".

Aldi have their say

A spokesperson for Aldi said: "It’s now up to councillors whether they side with residents or officers."

Lee McCandless, property director for Aldi, said: “We encourage councillors to listen to the residents they represent and support this new Aldi store.

Read more: Two-year wait for decision on Aldi store plan in Poole

"Support is clear. People have written to the council in support – this is overwhelming and gives councillors a clear mandate to support the plans and give the people of Branksome the new, high-quality, discount food store they clearly want and need.

“Given the cost of living crisis, the addition of the UK’s lowest price supermarket to the area will clearly help local people in these uncertain times.

“We are incredibly grateful to all who have supported the plans and are hopeful the committee will listen to them and make the right decision."