Plans to build an Aldi store in Martlesham Heath are set to get the green light on Monday after overwhelming public support resulted in nearly 900 letters backing the build.
The budget supermarket chain had submitted an application to create a 1,500 square metre store on land opposite the bowling alley in Gloster Road.
The land has been designated for employment use, with the application understood to have demonstrated that there were no preferable sites in Kesgrave, Martlesham or Woodbridge.
Despite formal objections from Martlesham Parish Council, Woodbridge Town Council and nine neighbours, an astonishing 886 letters of support were received – thought to be among the most ever received by Suffolk Coastal District Council.
The council’s planning committee will meet on Monday morning, where the scheme is recommended for approval.
The application said: “The proposals represent a significant multi-million-pound investment on the vacant development site off Gloster Road, enabling the creation of up to 50 new jobs for the local economy while improving retail choice and competition locally.”
Among some of the comments raised by those objecting were that it differed from the emerging neighbourhood plan, concerns over increased traffic at the site and the impact on smaller retailers in The Square.
Woodbridge Town Council said it would “reduce the distinctiveness of Woodbridge, Martlesham and Kesgrave”.
The report prepared for the planning committee said the proposal will “provide investment in the area, generate employment and develop a vacant site”.
The application follows a raft of developments on Martlesham’s retail and industrial estate, which includes the building of a new Wickes, Topps Tiles, Evans Cycle shop and drive-through Costa next to the Tesco store in Anson Road, while a Hobbycraft has already been established near the M&S foodstore.
Mountain Warehouse and Card Factory were last month confirmed to be joining Beardmore Park, while two units built off Martinsyde are being filled by Home Bargains and Hughes.
An Aldi spokesman said: “Aldi is delighted to be going to Committee with the support of many local people and an officer’s recommendation for approval.
“Over the last few years local people have consistently told us that they would love to have easier access to Aldi’s popular high quality, low cost offer, and opening a new store on Gloster Road would save them time and money.
“Aldi was named Britain’s favourite supermarket in the Which? 2018 Customer Satisfaction Survey voted for by UK shoppers, and we would like to bring the very best Aldi has to offer to Martlesham Heath.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here