Anger over Aldi plans to expand supermarket near Stourbridge

The move has sparked a furious reaction from residents who have vowed to fight the supermarket giant ‘tooth and nail’.

A petition has been set up after supermarket bosses confirmed they were determined to expand the store, which is based in Bridgnorth Road, Wollaston, near Stourbridge.

The budget retailer wants to build on land backing onto The Dell.

Officials have held tentative discussions with residents over their intentions.

Plans for the store have previously attracted anger from people living nearby.

The firm tried to expand onto the playing area eight years ago but were thwarted by planning experts.

However, it did build on gardens to the frustration of some residents.

Derek Griffiths, who is part of The Dell Residents’ Association, said the extension would make the shop ‘overpowering’.

Mr Griffiths, aged 79, said: “Myself and all the residents here have got a petition going and do not want it.

“It will encroach on us. It is overpowering now and will be even worse if it comes out any more.

“It would destroy the play area and destroy the cul-de-sac.

“We are going to fight tooth and nail to stop it.

“They are trying to say they will do this, they will do that but we do not want it. It will have a massive impact on us.”

Aldi’s latest bid to expand the store comes after it failed in 2009 when a planning inspector ruled the development was not suitable.

An Aldi spokesman said: “Aldi is in the early stages of looking to extend the Wollaston store to bring it in line with other stores in the area.

“The extension we are exploring would take up less than 25 per cent of the land at the end of The Dell, which has historically been used for recreational purposes.

“Last week Aldi met with residents to understand how the proposals might affect them and to hear residents’ views on what Aldi could do to improve the area.

“This is the first stage in a long process of community consultation and Aldi is determined to listen carefully to the views of all local residents and take them into account before progressing with the proposals.”

Ward councillors say they have concerns over the plans and support the stance of residents over the issue.

Wollaston and Stourbridge Town ward councillor Nicholas Barlow said members of the council and residents have held informally meetings to discuss the plans.

“Residents have grave concerns and I support their stance,” he said.

“To have any extension that will encroach further onto resident’s properties can not be tolerated or supported. I am totally against the extension.”