WALTHAM ABBEY: Approval signalled for two supermarkets

2:33pm Thursday 6th November 2008

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COUNCILLORS have voted through plans to construct two supermarkets in a town despite officers insisting it could only sustain one.

Both Lidl and Aldi could soon be setting up shop in Waltham Abbey although the approval granted by the district council’s planning sub-committee will have to be ratified by development control as it is against town centre policy.

Speaking at the council meeting principal planning officer Stefan Solon said: “Studies have shown there is a need within Waltham Abbey for a discount food store, but only for one store. If two stores were given permission there would be harm to the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

Officers had recommended the potential Aldi store, in Highbridge Retail Park, be approved, but the Lidl Store, in Cartersfield Road, be refused.

Paul Keywood, representing Legal and General who own Highbridge Retail Park, said: “We strongly believe that a new national food discount retailer here will add to consumer choice, and be a positive signal for consumer confidence in Waltham Abbey. We also firmly believe that Highbridge Retail Park is the best location for a discount food store of the two.”

Lidl development executive Richard Taylor said: “Our proposals would aid competition, regenerate an unsightly and disused site, provide approximately 80 jobs, and help to improve, through our agreed financial contribution, the public transport infrastructure for the benefit of all.”

Councillor Tony Watts expressed surprise that one retailer was recommended for refusal and one for approval.

He said: “I’m not sure where the arguments are that we have to accept one of them but not both of them. They are very similar in terms of their retail activities.”

Fellow councillor Liz Webster agreed adding: “To me when I look at the two applications they’re equal. When you look there is very little in it as to who is closest to the town centre.”

Both applications were granted with conditions restricting items that could be sold at the stores, and Lidl’s application was granted subject to the installation of CCTV.