Supermarket giant submits plans for £5m Formby retail site

Supermarket chain, Aldi, has submitted a planning application to Sefton Council to redevelop land off Formby Bypass with a new £5m discount food store.

Aldi hopes to transform the derelict site, which was most recently used to store vehicles and formerly operated as a commercial plant nursery.

The plant nursery closed more than a decade ago and many buildings at the site have been demolished with those that remain falling into disrepair.

The land also has an existing planning consent for residential development.

Bryn Richards, Aldi’s regional property director, said he was pleased with the response to its consultation and thanked everyone who took part to register their views. He added: “It is clear that there is local demand for access to a discount food retailer and we’re confident that this previously developed site is the best location for us.

“The scheme would create around 40 local jobs and will enhance pedestrian and cycle connectivity from Formby to the site and surrounding countryside.”

Aldi’s application would bring the land back into productive use, ensuring Formby residents have access to a discount food retailer. The proposals would replace the site’s existing access from Moss Side with a new signalised access junction on Formby Bypass, and further provide improvements to pedestrian and cycle connectivity from Formby to the site and nearby countryside.

Alongside the 40 store jobs there would also be further employment opportunities during construction and via the supply chain.

Aldi’s research into existing shopper journeys also estimates that, by reducing travel for food shopping, the store could reduce CO2 emissions by around 32.74tn per year.

Aldi’s consultation revealed 85% support for the plans, with more than 600 unique responses to its consultation. People cited the need for a low-cost, high quality retailer in Formby, especially in light of the cost-of-living crisis.