Plans for a new Aldi in Holbeach have been passed, despite a late objection by Tesco.
South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee last night (Wednesday, March 8) unanimously passed plans to build the 1,315 square foot store off Fleet Street.
It will include 110 customer and 17 staff customer car parking spaces and look to create around 40 jobs, the store says.
Opening proposed 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm on Sundays with conditions to allow deliveries between 6am and 9pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 6pm on Sundays.
Days before the meeting Tescos raised an objection stating concerns about the assessments which they branded as ‘inadequate’ due to its methodology.
The council argued the parameters for the independent viability had long been agreed.
Councillors called for the store to put up barriers for when the store is closed, but unanimously backed the proposal with Coun Roger Gambba-Jones sounding a warning to Tescos.
“If they go the route they’re known to do and go for a judicial review just to be awkward as a delaying tactic for something that has near universal support it will be to their detriment reputation wise,” he said. “I know we’re only a small fish in a very big pond but it will be a great disappointment to see Tescos tarnish their reputation even further than it already is.
“Most of us now how far they’ve sunk and I hope they will demonstrate the better person this time round and help Holbeach keep improving as it is and benefit from this investment and let this come to town. Tescos, go elsewhere please as we want this development and these jobs.”
Coun Andrew Woolf said: “Holbeach is a growing town and we should know as we pass a lot of applications. Why shouldn’t there be more competition?
“I remember the High Street used to thrive, then Tesco came in and the High Street died. The edge was taken by the supermarket giant.
“The shops now are not doing what the supermarkets do, they provide an alternative, so I don’t see there’s going to be an impact.
“I think it’s a good positive application.”
“In the eastern part of this district a lot go shopping to Kings Lynn and Wisbech and I think a lot would go to Holbeach instead,” Coun Chris Brewis added.
Planning chair Coun James Avery said: “I think competition is a good and healthy thing on the High Street at a time when many are falling into disrepair and struggling.
“I think this development will bring a different audience into Holbeach with a different appetite.
“One they’re into the town they’ll spend their money elsewhere too.
“Holbeach is growing and thriving, so I think this is a good application that fits in with that.”
Richard Thompson, property director at Aldi, told the meeting 97 per cent of residents in Holbeach the company had surveyed supported the proposal.
“The food store is designed to serve Holbeach and the surrounding community and increase the competition which in a cost of living crisis will benefit local people,” he said “We accept there will be some loss of trade from Tesco and the Co-Op but our proposal will ensure people will remain in Holbeach rather than travel further afield for a supermarket trip which could result in trips to other shops and services in the town.
“A modern Aldi store provides realistic proposals of 40 new jobs.
“It’s a scheme that Aldi and the local community can rightly be proud of.”
