Aldi calls on residents to take to the streets in support of £9m supermarket plans

Retail giant Aldi has urged Formby residents to descend on Bootle Town Hall next week and demonstrate to Sefton Council’s planning committee their support for a new multimillion-pound supermarket.

Aldi first announced plans for a new £5m store in January this year, creating 40 jobs on the site of a former commercial plant nursery/garden centre to the north of Moss Side in east Formby.

In May the German retailer submitted a planning application to Sefton Council, and earlier this month, having canvassed local residents, it said it had widespread support, with more than 450 people expressing their backing for the project, which Aldi is now valuing at £9m.

However, planning officers have recommended that next week’s committee rejects the application, on the grounds that the site sits within the Green Belt, even though planning permission for seven luxury homes had previously been awarded.

The site previously comprised several glass houses, initially used for horticultural, and then for storage, and is largely derelict.

Planning officer notes to the committee say: “The proposal would have a significantly greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt than the existing development and would amount to inappropriate development in the Green Belt failing to preserve Green Belt openness and conflicts with the purposes of including land within it.”

CGI of Formby Aldi proposals

Aldi expressed its frustration with the recommendation. 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.

“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.”

Aldi said it is calling on the local community to make their views known to councillors and encourages people to attend the evening planning committee meeting at Bootle Town Hall on July 26.