PLANS for a new Aldi supermarket in Poole have been tentatively approved despite an officer recommendation to refuse the plans over fears it could lead to the closure of a store a mile away.
Members of BCP Council’s planning committee were split on the plans for a new Aldi on the site former Parr’s factory site in Alder Road.
Chairman David Kelsey used his casting vote to approve a ‘minded-to grant’ dependent on a number of essential conditions.
His vote overturned the recommendation of the planning officer, who said the site was earmarked for a care home under the current local plan. The officer also said the proposal would result in a “significant level of trade diversion” from the existing store in Wallisdown, nearly a mile away.
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However, Cllr Robert Lawton said the local plan “should not be a straitjacket” with each case judged on its individual merits.
Planning agent Alan Williams spoke to the committee on behalf of Aldi. He said the retai giant would be investing ‘£12million in Branksome’ through the project, which would create 40 jobs.
“Communities are facing a cost of living crisis; a new Aldi here will not solve it but will help to alleviate it”, he said.
Mr Williams said the applicant was “disappointed” officers were not able to support the plans, and said the new shop would not impact on the Wallisdown unit, with Aldi considering expanding this store.
Planning permission for a care home years ago had lapsed, with the site since sold to Aldi.
Concerns were raised by some members over the traffic issues and precedent set by going against the Local Plan.
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In support of the application, Cllr Lawton said: “The local plan has been applied and nothing has happened there since then. We could be sitting here in a number of years and the site could still be empty.”
He was backed by Cllr Tony O’Neill who added: “This site has been allocated a care home for a long time without any real interest or expression. This site makes little sense at all. It is illogical. I do have concerns with sticking with the local plan in this instance.”
But Cllr Tony Trent who voted to refuse the plans cited the number of other food stores in the area: “It is actually a stone’s throw away from the existing Lidl store and there is a huge Tesco store and there is a Co-op and Waitrose on Ashley Road.”
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He described the traffic concerns as “enormous”.
Chairman, Cllr Dave Kelsey said: “Going against the local plan is never something I like to do.
“I do not see the need for a nursing home to be built on that site. I think (Aldi) would be a great addition to that retail park and would attract other people to visit the other stores. I think a food store would encourage other smaller units there as well.
He advised the committee to make a ‘minded to grant’ approval to allow officers time to set conditions and a section 106 agreement.
The vote was split 7-7 with the chairman using his casting vote.
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