Aldi says plans to open a new supermarket in South London will bring a “derelict site that is currently an eyesore and vulnerable to anti-social behaviour” back in to use, despite more than 200 objections from locals.
Aldi has applied to open a new supermarket in Orpington, Bromley borough.
The store is planned for Farnborough Way, and would be open from 8am to 10pm six days a week and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
The development would also provide parking space for 47 cars and 33 bikes.
Construction of the store would involve knocking down the current building which most recently served as a Frankie and Benny’s restaurant. The site was originally used as a petrol station.
The plans have received 218 objections online from locals, claiming the new store would be an “eyesore” and not suit the Victorian character of the nearby area.
The Farnborough Village Society described the building’s design as “unneighbourly and overbearing”, and highlighted concerns that it would affect traffic in the surrounding area.
They said in council documents: “The excessive and dangerous increase in greenhouse gas emissions for the Farnborough Village community generated by ALDI’s proposal is totally unacceptable and, crucially, is inconsistent with the overarching strategy of promoting sustainable transport and minimising greenhouse gas emissions.”
Council officers also recommended the development control committee for Bromley Council refuse the application for the new store.
They said that, despite the developers reducing the footprint and height of the new store after a previous submission, the store would be excessively relied on by locals using cars.
Richard Khodabakhsh, Real Estate Director at Aldi, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We are disappointed that council officers are recommending refusal on the grounds of minor policy technicalities – suggesting that our site is not accessible.
“The reality is that a huge number of people around Farnborough Village want, and need, access to high quality, affordable food.
“We hope that Bromley councillors recognise the major benefits an Aldi store will bring in terms of customer choice, jobs and investment, and approve our application.”
The plans have also received 233 supporting comments online.
Locals said the new store would offer jobs to residents and give more choice to shoppers in the area.
They added: “It would help some of the elderly be able to gain some independence once again whilst not paying extortionate prices… The applicant listened to comments and tried to adapt, addressed a lot of people’s concerns. Changes made are more appealing to local residents.”
Mr Khodabakhsh told the LDRS: “We are pleased that there are over 230 letters in support of our planning application, which aims to deliver a new, modern Aldi food store – providing greatly improved shopping choice to local residents in a cost-of-living crisis with the UK’s cheapest supermarket.”
He added: “We carried out extensive consultation and our plans have been significantly revised in response to previous feedback from councillors and residents.
“We are proposing a sensitive design and a sustainable new building on a derelict site that is currently an eyesore and vulnerable to anti-social behaviour.
“As well as on-site car parking and ample cycle parking, the plans provide improved pedestrian and cycle links including a new Tiger crossing, benefitting the wider local area.”
The plans to open a new Aldi store in Orpington will be decided at a Bromley Council meeting on October 5.
