Council favours plan for a new Aldi store in Newport

The council's planning committee met last night to discuss the proposal for the discount store to open in Audley Avenue.

Aldi wants to knock down the former Focus DIY building to make way for its 13,500sq ft shop.

Councillors were influenced by the public's apparent support for the development.

Aldi claims that it received more than 1,000 responses to its consultation process – with 977 people giving their backing.

Councillor Tim Nelson, chairman of the town council's planning committee, said: "Aldi seems to have conducted a thorough consultation.

"They could've had no response but in fact they have had 977 in favour, which is a huge return for that sort of consultation.

"In this instance a lot of the residents have spoken."

Councillor Nelson said the committee felt that an Aldi would complement what is already available in Newport.

Some town councillors questioned why the Focus building was going to have to be knocked down.

But Councillor Nelson said: "The building is about twice as high as what Aldi would normally have, which would mean increased bills and so on."

Elsewhere in Newport there are also plans for a Sainsbury's store in Station Road and a Morrisons next to the potential Aldi site in Audley Avenue.

Plans for a Lidl at Mere Park Garden Centre are also due to be submitted shortly.

The Aldi is the first supermarket that Newport Town Council has supported.

The committee, which met at the Guildhall in High Street, also discussed controversial plans by Shropshire Homes for 51 houses off Station Road.

Councillor Nelson said there were serious concerns about the new properties overlooking those already in the area.

He said: "This is not just in your backyard –it's over hanging your backyard.

"It would have an impact on people's right to a private life and they would be cast into a shadow for six months of the year."

There were also concerns about drainage in the area.

The committee also looked at revised plans for 350 houses, a care home and employment land off Station Road.

Councillors expressed concerns about the scale of the development.

The committee's comments will be sent to Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee, which will make the final decision.