Aldi formally submit plans for their fourth Wrexham store

Aldi have formally submitted plans to build a supermarket on land next to a controversial housing development in Llay.

The company unveiled its proposals for the new food store on Gresford Road last month.

If approved the supermarket, which would be a first for Llay, would be located alongside the 362 houses currently being built on land at Home Farm.

Planning permission for retail usage on the land already exists in principle, after the then First Minister, Carwyn Jones, granted the redevelopment of the Home Farm site back in 2017.

Final plans for controversial development of 362 new properties by Bellway and Anwyl Homes were finally approved by planning committee members last summer, despite strong opposition from campaigners and some local councillors.

In June the discount food retailer held a public consultation over the plans, which include a 1,300 square metre sales are for a “modern food store” and 117 spaces – including eight disabled and nine parent-and-child spaces.

Entrance to the supermarket would be provided via a new entrance on Gresford Road.

During the consultation process concerns were raised about access onto the site and the potential creation of a second entrance off the Straight Mile.

In its design and access statement, Aldi say that “whilst an all movements junction would not be feasible in this location, there is the scope to introduce a left in only from Straight Mile which will be incorporated into the scheme.”

As a result the number of car parking spaces has been reduced from the initial 120 to accomodate the new access.

Concerns had also been raised about the size of the proposed development, which is larger than what planning permission had been granted for previously.

Addressing these comments, Aldi say: “It is important to note that the 300sqm retail unit was approved as part of a separate outline application (ref: P/2014/0905).

“The proposed Aldi store forms a fresh planning application which has been fully assessed against local planning policy.

“In this regard, the retail assessment included within Section X of this statement concludes that there is a need for the proposed development, both in quantitative and qualitative terms, that there are no available and suitable sequentially preferable sites and that it will not result in detrimental consequences on Wrexham Town Centre, Gwersyllt District Centre or Llay Local Centre.”

A planning statement submitted by the company, concludes: “The proposal will provide a sensitively designed development which is compatible with and complementary to the surrounding uses.

“A significant quantum of jobs will be introduced as a result of the proposal, in the region of 40 jobs comprising full time and part time positions, with most being taken up by local people.

“Overall, it is concluded that the proposed development comprises sustainable development which meets all relevant policy tests set out in the Development Plan, PPW and its accompanying Technical Advice Notes.

“Accordingly, it is concluded that the proposed development is in accordance with the Development Plan and should be granted consent.”

If approved it will be the fourth Aldi supermarket in Wrexham, with others on Plas Coch, Ruthin Road and one currently under development in Ruabon.

The application will be considered by Wrexham Council for approval at a later date.