Update on the new Aldi planning applications

Please find below details regarding revised plans that Aldi wish to see implemented to the original planning application. This information was sent to our secretary a few days ago. It has now appeared on the GBC web-site and the community have 3 weeks from today’s date to register any concerns that may arise from the proposed alteration to the planning conditions,  imposed when Aldi was given the go ahead last year.

The requested amendments are as follows: 

• 15/P/01371 - A change to permitted delivery times Monday-Saturday from 0930-2200 to 0600-2200
• 15/P/ 01366 - A change to permitted trading hours Monday-Saturday from 0800-2100 to 0800-2200
• 15/P/01363 - A change to permitted deliveries each day to remove the restriction of 2 per day, including 1 HGV.

 
From the attached correspondence it is suggested that the store needs to be well serviced at all times in order to meet 21st century needs of Burpham’s local community. Thus Burpham can expect 2-3 HGV deliveries a day (at the moment they are restricted to one) and at Christmas and other busy times this can rise to 5-6 deliveries a day. Most stores have 4 deliveries a day. These deliveries it is proposed could start at 0600 rather than the approved 0930 hours (when the initial morning rush hour has subsided). Also trading hours are proposed to be extended from 2100 to 2200 during week days to ensure no one can miss any of the bargains.

Perhaps the BCA are being cynical but it is interesting to note that these changes are being proposed when many of the community are taking annual leave. Aldi are smart operators and fully understand the conditions that lead to a successful retail outlet. When the original application was approved and Aldi accepted that  for example 1 HGV delivery would suffice for their needs, the real constraints that imposed must have been readily apparent to them. To come back at this stage and seek to remove various planning conditions imposed on them seems to the committee to be totally unacceptable. The impact of these changes on Burpham are self-evident. The BCA committee will be responding  to GBC outlining their concerns. However it does need a consolidated approach by individuals who likewise feel aggrieved. The store is not yet opened and already major changes are being proposed. 

Whatever your views on the merits of Aldi, it's important to make your feelings known.