Another Aldi store is approved
Plans for a new Aldi store in Southampton have been given the green light
The B&M Home Stores in Auckland Road, Millbrook is to be demolished to make way for a new Aldi store.
Aldi said the development would bring “substantial benefits” to the area.
Lidl Great Britain Ltd and some residents objected to the proposals while others welcomed the news.
Resident Kevin Brown described it as a “major plus to the area”.
In a letter sent to Southampton City Council, Lidl Great Britain Ltd raised concerns about the impact of the new Aldi store on Lidl stores in Shirley and Totton.
The City of Southampton Society said it was “happy” with the design of the new building, the re-arrangements to the car-park and landscaping.
But it called for the final decision to be delayed until data about the impact on traffic were analysed.
In a statement the group said: “Despite the Transport Assessment we have our concerns about increases in traffic on Tebourba Way, Millbrook Road West and the roundabout at their confluence. This area already suffers from severe air pollution. Any additional traffic, especially with engines idling at the multiple traffic lights in the area, can only make the situation worse. Approval should then only be given if the results show that the impacts on the potential air quality are satisfactory.”
But several local residents welcomed the plans.
In a publicly available comment sent to the city council, Samantha Hulbert said: “We need more shops like that on our door steps. I don’t drive so having an aldi in walking distance as well as a Lidl is going to be a big help for me.”
Millbrook councillor Steven Galton also backed the plans.
He said: “The addition of Aldi will serve the local communities, West and
East of the site, offering another alternative. Increased competition is welcome and whilst this has the potential to impact on the Shirley district centre; the benefits appear to outweigh the negatives.”
He also said the move would be an “opportunity” for the council and developers to help reduce existing transport issues in the area.
A total of 244 car parking spaces and 30 cycle spaces are set to be provided at the site.
Aldi said the cumulative residual transport impacts of the proposal were “unlikely to be severe”.
In official documents it added: “The proposal offers substantial benefits including the introduction of a discount food retailer to this area of Southampton and reuse of a soon to be vacant retail unit for more modern and sustainable premises.”