Aldi say new Horwich store will bring jobs and investment

The proposal for a new Aldi at the junction of De Havilland Way and Chorley New Road near the Beehive Roundabout has sparked objections from rival supermarkets Tesco and Lidl.

But it has been recommended for approval by Bolton Council officers and the company says it hopes to soon make the new store a reality.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “We are delighted that our proposal for a new Aldi food store at the junction of De Havilland Way and Chorley New Road has once again been recommended for approval by the planning officer. 

“This new store is designed to complement our existing store in Horwich town centre, which is a smaller, first-generation model that can become busy at peak times.

The plans have been put before Bolton Council (Image: Aldi)

“Throughout the planning process, we have worked diligently to address key points regarding the impact on the local highway network. 

“We are pleased to report that the council’s highway officers and Transport for Greater Manchester concur with our consultants that the operational performance of the local highway network will not be adversely affected by the proposed development. 

“This confidence stems from the agreed highway improvements that will be implemented as part of the site’s construction.

“Our application represents a substantial investment in the area, offering £10million into the local economy and creating up to 40 new, full-time equivalent jobs, paid at an industry-leading rate above the National Living Wage. 
 

The plans will be voted on soon (Image: Aldi)

“Additionally, the new store will feature 132 car parking spaces, including accessible and parent and child spaces, as well as electric vehicle charging points.”

The scheme aims to build a new Aldi at the Paragon business park at the Beehive Roundabout in Horwich, along with vehicle access from De Havilland Way and a parking and serving area.

The proposal has also sparked a mixed reaction in the community around Horwich with two letters and two petitions signed by 95 people supporting the bid.

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An Aldi spokesperson said: “We are immensely grateful for the support we’ve received from the community, with many residents expressing excitement about the new store and the value it will bring to the area.

“Following a recent canvassing exercise, 95 residents sent comments to the Planning Department in favour of the proposals.” 

But 31 letters had also been sent in opposing the scheme, citing increased pollution and congestion, the loss of greenspaces and the effects on Horwich Town Centre.

Horwich Town Council had also said they were concerned about an increase in traffic on Chorley New Road and about the apparent lack of households that had been consulted.

The proposal will go before Bolton Council’s planning committee for a vote on Thursday November 7.