First look at new Aldi store for Whitchurch

Aldi has revealed its latest designs for the store off Wrexham Road as part of a planning application it has now submitted to Shropshire Council.

Up to 40 jobs are set to be created as part of the development, which will also see traffic management measures and new parking arrangements in Wrexham Road be introduced to improve the current road situation.

Before submitting the planning application, residents were able to view and provide feedback on the plans at a public exhibition.

Following the consultation, Aldi said it has updated its plans to reflect the suggestions and wishes of those who will be affected by the changes.

It means that the application features a right-turn lane into the site from Wrexham Road, two vehicle-activated speeding signs, and an extension to the 30mph zone on the road outside the supermarket.

Some residents claim opening a new discount supermarket on the outskirts of the town will kill the high street and increase existing traffic problems.

But Councillor Ticker Harris, of Whitchurch Town Council, said: "Personally, I welcome it. I think it is in the right place. It is where the majority of the new houses are being built. I would rather an Aldi being built there than new houses."

A document submitted in support of the application states, of the sites assessed, none of the others were found to be suitable for the new store.

"Overall the retail proposal will provide a sustainable development which will promote sustainable shopping patterns to benefit the local community.

"Aldi is keen to deliver the proposed development as soon as possible to provide a new store in a sustainable location. It is expected that the proposal will meet a gap in discount convenience retail floorspace in the defined catchment area and will introduce a highway quality design to the area, incorporating strong landscape improvement," the document adds.

The public exhibition was attended by 239 individuals, of which 189 submitted feedback forms.

Aldi said 69 per cent of the feedback received support the proposal in principle.

Shropshire Council hopes to make a final decision on the scheme by June 9.

People can comment on the proposals as part of consultation into the development by visiting the council website.