15/03/10 - Aldi Application Update

Supermarket chain Aldi is proposing to build a store next to the David Lloyd tennis centre, off Thamesdown Drive.  At this stage they have not submitted a planning application, but they have recently purchased the land.  They are currently working on a potential planning application.

A number of local residents expressed there concern when we broke the news in the Swindon Link magazine so we arranged to meet with Aldi as a matter of urgency. 

Having met with Adli we were able to set a series of issues they would need to address ahead of any potential planning application, failure to do so and we would oppose the application.

• It is essential the design of the store would be in keeping with the Northern Sector and not a store 'out of a box'.
• Aldi need to demonstrate they will not have a negative impact on the local village centres, in particular the St Andrews Ridge village centre.
• Highways issues are fully investigated and covered.

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, "Aldi have taken these requests on and have agreed to consider them ahead of their planning application. They have also agreed that once the application is ready local residents will be fully consulted, for which this will determine whether we would support or oppose the application."

We are interested to receive feedback from local residents on these proposals.

Also please see the Swindon Link article:

http://www.swindonlink.com/news/aldi-explores-north-swindon-store-option