Proposals for a new supermarket in Stowmarket have won overwhelming support from people living nearby as blueprints for the store were submitted to planners.
Aldi want to build a branch in Gipping Way, in a move which could boost the area with 50 new jobs. If the plans are given the green light, it will be the first Aldi store in Stowmarket for nearly two years.
People living nearby, who were asked for their views on the proposal – for a patch of brownfield land previously used as part of the Atco Bosch production site – look set to welcome it.
Of 414 questionnaires returned, 98% of respondents were in favour of the new store.
Six people raised concerns while four said they were unsure about the development.
Stowmarket district councillor Gerard Brewster said: “The Aldi store would be a welcome addition to Stowmarket.
“I have not seen the full plans yet but I have seen the plans for parking and it looks good.
“I think Aldi have been wishing to come back to Stowmarket for a while and it will bring more people into the town which is good news.
He added: “I have not heard any negative comments about the plans yet, but I suppose that it will come in the future if they do.”
However, one comment left on the application raised concerns about the site bordering the last stretch of river in Stowmarket.
Environmental surveys were carried out as part of the planning application, which is set to go before committee members in the coming weeks – and the land was deemed to have a low biodiversity value.
Meanwhile, a flood and water management assessment and environmental noise test both came back with positive results.
In total, 126 car parking spaces will be made available within the site – and vehicle access is being installed at its junction with Gipping Way.
An Aldi spokesman said: “We are excited to be bringing Aldi’s award-winning offer back to Stowmarket.
“Before submitting a planning application we distributed over 3,000 informative leaflets to local homes and were delighted to hear that 98% of respondents are looking forward to a new Aldi opening, with many saying having a store in Stowmarket would save them time and money.”
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