Aldi make second bid to expand supermarket despite objections
A supermarket has made a second bid to expand its Wolverhampton store despite objections from residents and plans being thrown out almost a year ago.
Aldi has now submitted a second planning proposal for its supermarket, in Blakenhall, at the junction of Goldthorn Hill and Dudley Road.
The proposal involves the purchase and demolition of a pair of semi-detached houses, and half the garden of the home next door, and replacing them with car parking.
Supermarket bosses have also proposed more landscaping around the edge of the site to "soften the appearance of the car park".
Wolverhampton Council planners have recommended the scheme for approval when it comes before councillors next Tuesday.
Wolverhampton Council has so far received four letters of objection, citing loss of car parking, loss of housing, traffic disruption during and after the development, highways and pedestrian safety due to the store being located in a residential area, disruption to neighbouring properties, the increase in traffic and the impact on the area.
The previous application was rejected in January 2019 on similar grounds, after residents living nearby turned out in force to protest against it.
Resident, David Riley, said he had campaigned since 1993 to limit the impact the store had on the local neighbourhood.
He also described Aldi’s submissions as “aggressive”.
The new proposal incorporates several design changes including an extension to the service area for a loading dock, an extension/relocation of the existing car park and a new access from Goldthorn Hill.
In a report to Wolverhampton Council, planning officer Tracey Homfray said: “The three key issues in this case are the principle of the use, highway safety and the impact on neighbours’ amenities."
She added: “The applicant’s agent has also set out Aldi’s rationale for the proposed store, which includes the need to improve its efficient operation, particularly in terms of restocking the shelves.
“A neighbour has raised the issue of the loss of housing stock. The loss of two houses is a disbenefit but is not significant enough to justify a planning reason for refusal,” she added.
Wolverhampton Council's planning committee will hear the application at the meeting which starts at 2pm in committee room three at Wolverhampton Civic Centre.
