PLANS for two new Aldi stores in west Cumbria, which will create more than 50 new full time equivalent jobs and represents a total investment of £14million, have been unanimously approved.

Members of Cumberland Council’s planning committee met at The Copeland Centre in Whitehaven on Wednesday (November 27) to consider the two planning applications.

The first proposal was to replace the existing store with a new building on land in Preston Street in Whitehaven and the second was for a new outlet on a site in East Road in Egremont.

Whitehaven store

Planning officer Chris Harrison told members that the Whitehaven plans included space for 100 car parking spaces which included charging points for electric vehicles, and that Tesco had objected to the application.

Simon Plumb from Aldi said it would be a new “enhanced store” which represented the relocation of the existing “first generation” store which was built 30 years ago.

He said existing staff would be relocated to the new branch and 10 new jobs would be created. He added: “The new store will be fit for purpose for the next 30 years.”

Mr Plumb said Aldi was making a £7million investment for the town and it was hoped that it would be open before next Christmas.

Councillor Andy Semple (Cockermouth South, Labour) praised the affordability of products at Aldi and added: “I think it’s a well-developed plan and propose approval.”

And councillor John Mallinson (Houghton and Irthington, Conservative) seconded the proposal and said that he was initially concerned over a late objection but he had been reassured by the planning officer. The application was unanimously approved by members.

Egremont store

Planning officer Nick Hayhurst said the site for the Egremont application had previously been a petrol station, a workshop and car dealership which was a “significant brown field site”.

He said there were concerns over antisocial behaviour at a nearby subway and Aldi had agreed to install a suitable CCTV system even though it was not part of the application site.

Local residents Robert and Sheena Curry said access to the new junction would make it harder to move their new caravan which they were already struggling to do and there were concerns over land ownership.

Mary Hartley, from Windham Place, objected to the application because of the potential impact on small shops in the town.

However, Mr Nicholson supported the proposal and said: “I believe the smaller shops will not be affected by this development.”

He said that the town needed the Aldi store to create a “level playing field” across the area and added: “Please let us have the opportunity.”

Ward councillor Sam Pollen (Egremont, Labour) was also in favour of the proposal and said the site had lain dormant for several years and was a “dilapidated” eyesore.

He said it represented an investment of £7million which would help regenerate the town and that concerns had been addressed.

Cllr Pollen said it had the full support of the town council and a large majority of residents. He added: “Egremont hasn’t had investment for far, far, too long.”

Mr Plumb said Aldi had been interested in developing a store in the town for many years and added: “This store will provide better choice for the community.”

He said the site had been dormant for four years, 96 per cent of respondents supported the proposal and the new store would create more than 40 full time equivalent new jobs.

Members heard that it was hoped it would be open within 18 months and councillor Linda Jones-Bulman (Cleator Moor East and Frizington, Labour) said she hoped the highways team would work with residents at addressing highways concerns.

Councillor Tony Markley (Solway Coast, Conservative) said the level of investment in west Cumbria was “phenomenal” and proposed that they approve the application.

And councillor Bob Kelly (Millom, Labour) added: “I’ve often seen [this site] as a real blot on the landscape.”

He said the application offered benefits to the area that would be a great asset to the town.

Cllr Mallinson said it would be welcomed by residents beyond Egremont and added: “I do think this store needs to happen.”

He seconded the proposal to approve the application and, when the matter was put to the vote, it was unanimously approved.