Aldi has a rethink on plans for Whitchurch store
A scheme to create a new supermarket in a town in Shropshire has been thrown into doubt after bosses confirmed they had no immediate plans to continue with the development.
Mystery had surrounded the opening of an Aldi store in Whitchurch, which was granted planning permission about three years ago. Residents and councillors in the town were left baffled why the discount retailer had yet to begin work on the store on land at Meadow View, Waymills.
Despite supermarket bosses today confirming they are still considering opportunities in Whitchurch, they have raised doubts about the suitability of the site.
An Aldi spokeswoman said: "Aldi is still actively considering opportunities in Whitchurch but at present there are no immediate plans for development." The news was met with disappointment from people who hoped the plan would transform a derelict piece of land and create jobs.
Hilary Seward, chairman of Whitchurch Chamber of Trade, said: "With the forthcoming new housing developments in the town, they will be missing a trick if they don't develop the site.
"If there are more supermarket choices, more people will come into the town to shop. We don't want a piece of land that is just sat there not doing anything. It is a prime site within the town."
But Councillor Rob Hewson, mayor of Whitchurch, said: "It's a shame but I can understand their reasons for pulling out.
"It's no good having an Aldi as we have got a Lidl and Iceland which are quite adequate for the size of our town, as well as the other two big supermarkets."
A resident in Whitchurch, who did not wish to be named, contacted Aldi to try to find out what was going on with the site.
Replying to the resident, George Brown, property director of Aldi, said: "We very much appreciated the support from local residents at the time of our application.
"Unfortunately, the market in Whitchurch has changed considerably in recent years with the arrival of a store on London Road.
"This has obviously had significant impact on Aldi's potential market share as there are other major operators also in the town including Tesco and Lidl.
"While we are still determined to open a store in Whitchurch, we feel that the site at Waymills is perhaps not the best location to serve the catchment we desire."
