'Groundswell of support' for new Aldi store in Luton as plans due to be decided this week

Luton Borough Council's development control committee is due to decide tomorrow (Wednesday) on the planning application for a new supermarket in Gipsy Lane.

Residents from Luton organised a meeting with representatives from Aldi on Monday, February 24, where they voiced support for the plans.

One attendee, Marion Brookes, said: “Everyone I speak to supports an Aldi at this site, we are crying out for a new discount food store in this part of Luton.

Fellow attendee Mary Holes added: “Aldi’s plans will improve shopping choice for residents in a very convenient location, which is important because many of us can’t afford to drive.

"I can’t believe anyone would object to these plans – an Aldi is really needed in this area and I hope that the new store is approved and built asap.”

During the planning application, Aldi received large public support for a new discount food store at the disused site.

172 (91%) of the 187 residents who contacted Aldi directly gave their outright support for a store at Gipsy Lane and 88 people wrote directly to LBC to formally support the planning application.

The council’s development control committee has previously resolved twice to approve this planning application in March and April 2019. In July 2019, however, members of the full council referred the decision back to the development control committee.

The current application has been recommended for approval by council planning officers.

Key features of Aldi's plans include:

• 40 new permanent jobs, with additional jobs created during construction

• The application passes the retail impact policy test, with no adverse impact on existing centres, including those planned at Power Court or Napier Park

• The site is private land with no public access and has not been used for recreation for 20 years, it was granted planning consent as an over-flow car park in 2011

• A financial contribution of £35,000 would go towards improving tennis facilities within the vicinity of the site. This is supported by the council's parks and facilities manager.

• The sale of this disused site will deliver funds to Venue 360, which will be reinvested in

improving its ageing facilities and ensure the continued retention of existing jobs.

An Aldi spokesman said: “Aldi is proud to be making this additional investment in Luton.

"Our proposals for Gipsy Lane will deliver real community benefits, rejuvenating a vacant site and significantly improving local shopping choice for residents, many of whom live within close walking distance.

"Our plans will also create 40 new jobs and the funds from the sale of this disused site will enable Venue 360 to reinvest in and improve its existing sports and leisure facilities.”