Local residents are being asked to give their views on the opening of a new discount supermarket in Horwich.

Aldi says its plans to open a new store in the town will shortly be determined by Bolton's planning bosses - and want to hear from locals about any concerns they have about its opening.

Proposals for a new store on the land at the junction of De Havilland Way and Chorley New Road were put forward back in February 2022.

After receiving concerns regarding the highways the German retailer has issued an update.

The proposed site is located at the junction close to the Beehive roundabout and includes 145 customers car parking spaces and would create around 40 new, full-time jobs.

According to developers, the store has been designed to complement the existing Aldi food store in Horwich town centre, which is very popular amongst the community and can often become too busy.

Aldi say a new store at the proposed location would improve local access to low-cost, high-quality food products and ensure residents have access to quality shopping options.

The new store is set to deliver an investment of £7m into the local economy.

When plans were put in, residents in the area shared their concerns about the highway around the De Havilland and Chorley New Road area.

Aldi say they have worked hard to address key points concerning the impact on the local highway network.

The Bolton News: Plans for the new Aldi storePlans for the new Aldi store (Image: Aldi/Bolton Council)Read more top stories here:

Bryn Richards, Real Estate Director for Aldi, said: "Aldi’s application for a new store in Horwich was first submitted in February 2022 and we are pleased to be nearing determination of the application.

"For more than two years we’ve worked closely with both Transport for Greater Manchester and Bolton Council Highways, with both organisations agreeing that they are satisfied the local highway network can accommodate a new store in this location.

“The store has been designed to complement the existing Aldi food store in Horwich town centre, which is very popular among the local community but is a smaller ‘first-generation’ model that can often become too busy.

"Our investment in this new store represents not only an opportunity for growth but also a commitment to supporting the local economy.

"With over £10 million in investment and the creation of 40 new, full-time equivalent jobs, Aldi aims to contribute positively to the community while providing affordable, high-quality groceries to residents.

“We recently sought feedback from residents to ensure that their voices are heard, and we remain committed to ongoing dialogue as we move forward.

"We are grateful for the engagement of the community thus far and look forward to continuing to work with residents in Horwich."

A letter sent out to local residents, from Aldi states: “Aldi’s planning application has been within the planning system for over two years but will shortly be determined by Bolton Council’s Planning Committee.

“Throughout the planning process, Aldi has been working with Bolton Council and Transport for Greater Manchester to accurately assess the operational performance of the highway network, ensuring that a new food store would not result in unacceptable queues and delays for drivers.

“As a result of this work, we are pleased to share that highways officers and Transport for Greater Manchester agree with our consultants that the proposed store can be accommodated within the highway network with the supporting mitigation works.

“We understand the importance of addressing community concerns, and Aldi remains committed to engaging with residents to address any further questions or concerns regarding the proposed store.”

And now ahead of the plans being heard by the council, Aldi would like to hear from residents and ensure all facts around the application are understood ahead of the final determination.

Anyone with questions or would like to have their say can call 0800 066 8941 or email North@Consultation-online.co.uk.

For more information on the planning application, go to the Bolton Council planning portal and type in application number 13158/22.

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