29/06/10 - Councillors Call for Residents' Views on Aldi

Abbey Meads ward councillors are calling for all residents to make their voices heard over plans for a new supermarket on Thamesdown Drive. Aldi have now formally applied for planning permisssion for the store, which will be at the Motorola junction opposite Groundwell West.

Councillors Vera Tomlinson, Peter Stoddart and Peter Heaton-Jones all attended a recent public meeting organised by the owners of the Costcutter convenience store at St Andrews Ridge village centre.  The Councillors have also been to a public exhibition organised by consultants working with Aldi on the plans.

Cllr Peter Stoddart said, from what he had seen, he was opposed to plans for the new store. "I don't believe we need the Aldi there", he said.  "I'm worried about the impact it will have on the convenience store at St Andrews Ridge Village Centre.  We already have the massive Asda-Walmart, Morrisons at Haydon Wick, and Tesco at Abbey Meads all very close by, so I can't see there's a need for another supermarket".

Cllr Vera Tomlinson is vice-chair of Swindon Borough Council's Planning Committee, and Cllr Peter Heaton-Jones is currently a member of the committee, so there are restrictions on what they can say in advance of the decision-making meeting.  But both said it was vital for residents to make their views known so that the Planning Committee members know what local people think when they consider the application.

CLICK HERE and enter the application number S/10/0905, and you will be able to view all the plans online.  You can then submit your views via the website as well.   Please let your councillors know what you think - their contact details are all on this website. The deadline for consultations is Monday 19 July 2010.