A new Aldi store looks set to open on the Isle of Wight after County Hall planners granted the supermarket giant conditional permission.
Plans for a new discount supermarket at Cothey Way in Ryde, as well as 12 electric vehicle charging stations, associated parking, landscaping and infrastructure work, received nearly 300 letters of support.
Brownfield site and new jobs
A council officer report said the proposed development would use a vacant brownfield site, previously home to Neutrik UK, to provide 40 jobs in the retail industry.
Local councils object
The approval comes after both the Nettlestone and Seaview and Ryde Town Councils objected to the proposal, voicing concern over issues including traffic, noise and light pollution, environmental and residential amenity impacts and inadequate mitigation measures.
A total of 16 third party objections were filed with County Hall.
Officers satisfied with proposals
The officer report for proposal 25/01012/FUL said,
“The proposals would not result in any significant impacts on the viability or vitality of the town centre, highway safety, the amenities or neighbouring properties or the character of the area.
“The application would result in the loss of employment land, but officers are satisfied that this would not impact on the local economy.
“The submitted details demonstrate that there would not impact on any high amenity trees or protected species, and biodiversity net gain could be achieved on site, by enhanced landscaping.”
18 conditions attached to consent
Consent comes with 18 conditions for reasons of legal and planning policy compliance, environmental and ecological protection, prevention of harm to human health, highway safety and maintenance, pedestrian safety, biodiversity net gain, the development having a satisfactory appearance, appropriate drainage and avoiding disturbance.
Widespread public support
Arguments for the new store, with 288 supporting letters sent to the council, included improved competition, extra retail services and employment, traffic not significantly overwhelming the existing road network and positively using redundant space.
A previously submitted Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council comment said,
“The unresolved highways risks, the unacceptable likely burden on nearby residential communities, the environmental impacts, and the absence of a strategic infrastructure plan collectively make clear that the proposal is neither safe nor suitable for this location.
“The proposal continues to raise concerns about increased light pollution, noise, and general disturbance to nearby residents.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
