Whitchurch Aldi store plans have ‘insufficient detail’

Shropshire Council's consultants Mouchel said there is currently a lack of detail submitted with the application by Aldi to create a store off Wrexham Road, Whitchurch.

It comes after concerns were raised by local residents and the town council about the site of the proposed store being located off such a busy road.

Aldi said it will be providing extra information for the council in "due course".

A report by Mouchel said: "There is insufficient detail submitted with the application to make an informed highway comment at this time.

"A transport assessment has been provided, however, it does not appear to contain any surveyed traffic speeds, volumes or junction capacity information relating to either the site access or the A41/A525/B5398 roundabout.

"It is considered that the proposed site access and egress arrangements needs to be demonstrated in relation to the prevailing design standards and in terms of the relationship to eastbound traffic exiting the A41/A525/B5398 roundabout and any queues at peak periods on the roundabout approach which would affect site traffic exiting to the west.

"Off-site traffic management/parking scheme works along a section of Wrexham Road, between the junctions with Liverpool Road and Thompson Drive, are discussed within the submitted transport assessment but discounted following a public consultation exercise.

"An alternative proposal to extend the existing 30mph speed limit to the A41/A525/B5398 roundabout and to provide vehicle activated signs is offered, however, no physical means of ensuring a reduction in vehicle speeds is currently proposed."

Despite backing plans for a new Aldi supermarket in Whitchurch in principle, members of the town council say they cannot support the scheme because of concerns about the site being off a busy road.

The proposed store, which would create up to 40 jobs, was discussed by town councillors at the latest meeting of the council’s planning committee.

Plans submitted to Shropshire Council state traffic management measures and new parking arrangements in Wrexham Road will be introduced to improve the current road situation.

These include creating 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.

A statement on behalf of Aldi said: “We are aware of the request for further information from Shropshire Council in relation to our highways plans for our proposed new food store on Wrexham Road, Whitchurch.

"As part of the planning application for the store, and in recognition of the existing issues on Wrexham Road, Aldi consulted the local community on a range of proposed traffic management measures.

"Following this feedback, we revised the highways plans in line with their comments. We will be responding to the council to provide the information requested in due course.”