Jul 25, 20233 min read

Are you for or against Aldi in Formby? You need to email the council TODAY as meeting is 26th July

Are you for or against Aldi in Formby? You need to email the council TODAY with your views as meeting is tomorrow, Wednesday 26th July at Bootle Town Hall at 6:30pm and members of the public are allowed to attend if they want to.

Aldi, the award-winning discount food retailer, has expressed frustration with Sefton Council Planning Officers’ recommendation to refuse a new food store in #Formby, despite overwhelming support from the local community. The plans would redevelop a dilapidated former commercial plant nursery off the Formby Bypass, currently used to store vehicles. The council say it’s green belt land but it’s already got existing planning permission for new luxury homes.

Aldi is calling on the local community to make their views known to local councillors and encourages people to attend the Planning Committee meeting at Bootle Town Hall on Wednesday, July 26th, at 6:30 pm.

Emails for all councillors are below, if you want the Aldi, you have to email one of the councillors to let them know and copy in Councillor Darren Viedman to your email to make sure one councillor sees all the emails.

If you don’t want the Aldi, then you will be happy that the council have already earmarked it for refusal at tomorrow nights meeting. Councillor Nina Killen said: “The Aldi Formby planning application has been recommended for refusal at planning committee tomorrow due to green belt, highways and accessibility issues. I've had so many emails about this and it's clear an Aldi would be so welcome in Formby, but there are concerns about this location, which would create another junction on the bypass and set a precedent for building on the green belt.”

“In my opinion this green belt site which is previously developed should not be protected. But under current planning rules the committee's hands may be tied. Aldi are being encouraged to find an alternative site in Formby. I hope they do. The officer's report here explains why it is being recommended for refusal.”

Report: https://modgov.sefton.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=73121

More than 450 people have formally registered their support. Many people have cited the lack of local choice and the need for a discount retailer in the area in light of the current cost-of-living crisis.

Expressing deep frustration, Bryn Richards, Real Estate Director for Aldi said: “We’re deeply disappointed and shocked that Sefton Council recommending refusal of a £9m investment in a site that has been vacant and derelict for more 10 years. At a time when many are looking to make their money go further, the proposals would provide access to our high-quality affordable products helping to retain spending in the local area."

"Our application includes a strong commitment to enhancing safety for the local community along Formby Bypass. We plan to achieve this by implementing several significant improvements representing an investment of over £750k, such as introducing a signalised junction with additional turning lanes to maintain smooth traffic flow. Additionally, we aim to install a new pedestrian crossing to further ensure pedestrian safety."

"Nexus Planning has conducted a thorough retail policy review of our planning application on behalf of the Council, and their comprehensive report confirms that there are no better sites in Formby suitable for accommodating a food store. They have also advised that the proposed development will not have any significant impacts on Formby town centre. The review highlights the project's potential to benefit the community by introducing a discount food store, enhancing local choice and accessibility to affordable groceries."

“We’d like to extend our appreciation to the many residents who have expressed their support and demonstrated a strong desire for the store to be delivered. The council is citing the land’s Green Belt designation as the driver for its opposition, but this seems inconsistent given its previously developed nature and the existing planning permissions for new luxury homes.”

The decision to recommend refusal of the proposals at next Wednesday’s (26 July) Planning Committee, comes before the determination deadline and prior to Aldi reviewing and responding to consultee responses.

For further information, concerned residents can contact a member of the project team through the dedicated Freephone information line at 0800 298 7040, visit the project website at www.aldiconsultation.co.uk/Formby, or send an email to feedback@consultation-online.co.uk

Here is the list of councillors on the committee. If you can choose one to email but then everyone also copy into the email to Councillor Darren Viedman then he will receive everyone’s response.