Disputed plans to bring a new £4 million Aldi supermarket to Great Barr will be determined this week.
And bosses at the German food giant “remain convinced” that the derelict site on Old Horns Crescent is suitable, adding that residents would welcome “improved local shopping choice”.
Speaking for the first time since lodging their appeal, a spokesman for Aldi said: “We remain convinced that our proposal for a high-quality food store at Old Horns Crescent is suitable for the site and we are pleased that Birmingham City Council has decided not to contest two of its reasons for refusal.
“We know from experience that there is strong demand for our products, with our nearest stores in Great Barr, New Oscott and Kingstanding all overtrading.
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“The vast majority of local residents who participated in our public consultation about the proposals, specifically highlighted that a new Aldi store would improve local shopping choice, create jobs and clean up the existing site.
“Birmingham City Council – as owner of the land – has been looking for opportunities to redevelop the site for a long time but has been unable to do so.
“Our plans provide a long-term solution for the city council and would inject millions into public funds that can be invested into much-needed public services.
“Aldi has ambitious plans for new stores in Birmingham to meet growing customer demands.
“This site is one of a number of investments that we would like to make in the city in the coming years.”
The plans to transform a piece of disused, former quarry and waste disposal site into a new store is set to go before a Government Planning Inspectorate tomorrow (May 1), with a decision expected to be announced over the coming days.
An Aldi spokesman added: “If the Inspector agrees with the arguments that we will put forward at the hearing, the scheme will create around 40 jobs, deliver a £4 million investment into the local economy, provide Birmingham City Council with a much-needed capital receipt and provide the Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve access to over £145,000 for them to improve the nature reserve.”
The proposals were first turned down in February 2017 by Birmingham City Council which had concerns regarding the potential impact of the development on local traffic, the loss of open space, loss of tree, and the proposed design of the store.
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