Sefton Council opposes new Aldi Food Store in Formby

Sefton Council opposes new Aldi Food Store on a derelict site that was earmarked for new luxury homes.

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, with existing planning permission for new luxury homes.

This is how the dilapidated former nursery

looks at the moment

Planning Officers have expedited the determination of the application, refusing to allow Aldi a fair amount of time to respond to the significant number of responses that have been received. Since launching the plans, it has been clear that there is demand for a new Aldi store at the site and following submission of a planning application, 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.

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.

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

Aldi is Britain’s fifth largest supermarket with more than 990 stores and around 40,000 colleagues.

The supermarket believes in making every day amazing and delivering the best possible value for millions of families throughout the UK and Ireland.

That’s why Aldi is the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket, according to consumer champion Which? (September 2022).

Aldi consistently racks up award after award for quality, treats its suppliers and employees with fairness and respect and recognises the responsibility of supporting valued institutions such as Team GB and Paralympics GB to demonstrate the importance of health and wellness.

Aldi makes the everyday amazing. But amazing doesn’t happen overnight, which is why Aldi is making changes to be better every single day – to be fairer, greener and healthier for customers, society and the environment.

What’s the reason they do this? Because Aldi believes that everyone should have access to fresh, healthy, affordable food. It’s a right, not a privilege.