Box park developers object in clash of views over new Hartlepool Aldi

Plans were submitted last year by Aldi to move from its existing site at Tees Bay Retail Park to a vacant parcel of land off Brenda Road, to create a new larger site to the south-west of the Stag & Monkey public house.

Plans state the move would create up to 10 new jobs, plus those linked to its construction.

However bosses behind approved plans from Mason Partners LLP for a new ‘innovative box park’ at Tees Bay Retail Park have already voiced objections to the Aldi move, stating their development could be ‘in jeopardy’ if the supermarket leaves the site.

To date more than a dozen other comments have been received by the council planning department over the planned Aldi move, providing a mix of support and objections.

In total six responses from residents in the town to the council expressed support for the plans, praising the move to a bigger store and how it will develop vacant land.

Resident Alan Halliday said: “Great opportunity for Aldi to increase capacity using ‘wasteland’. Also their old store gives the opportunity for another business to expand or set up on the old site.”

A Stockton Road resident said: “I would like to see a newer larger store.

“I use Aldi and think it would benefit every shopper to have more space and parking.”

Other responses labelled the current store as ‘too small and outdated’ and said the move supported the regeneration of the A689 area.

However five objections have been received to the plans raising concerns over the impact it will have on Tees Bay Retail Park and traffic crossing worries near the potential new store.

A response from Rapleys LLP, property and planning consultant, said: “The proposal is evidently contrary to the planning policy and would result in a loss of employment land. The council’s evidence base clearly states that no loss of employment land should occur during the plan period.”

Resident Dean Hammond said: “I object to the planning of a new Aldi at this location as I am concerned about the increase in traffic it would cause on an already dangerous and busy road.”

Several other comments were received by the council offering suggestions for the site and the plans.

One resident said: “It’s my favourite shop in town, I would love toilets and a coffee shop as well.

“Toilets are essential for a lot of elderly people using the facility.”

Comments were also received in regards to the need for a crossing to access a potential new site, with praise from residents the plans involve a pedestrian crossing on Brenda Road.

The proposals for the Aldi move are expected to go before the council planning committee in the coming weeks.