Investing In Your Community - Planning opportunities and benefits
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Investing In Your Community
Planning opportunities and benefits
T: 0844 406 8800
E: info@aldi.co.uk
W: www.aldi.co.uk
W: www.aldi.co.uk/about-aldi/property
Registered in England 2321869
Prepared in conjunction with McCann Manchester and Jones Lang LaSalle.
Aldi – Winner of
‘Best Grocer 2019’
Introduction
Aldi in the UK
Aldi is a supermarket operator that sells
quality products at low prices. Based on
the top 100 lines, Aldi is up to 26%
cheaper than the UK’s larger national
supermarkets.
Aldi stores have a limited
footprint and are of
modest size, designed to
serve local communities.
Discount retailer
“In 2018, Aldi became
Aldi opened its first store the fifth largest
in the UK in 1990 and supermarket, ahead
has now expanded to of Co-op, in addition to
over 800 stores across
an increased market
England, Scotland
and Wales. share against the Contents
‘Big 4’ and other grocery
Introduction 2
In 2018, Aldi became the stores in the UK.”
fifth largest supermarket, Benefits and Advantages 4
ahead of Co-op, in How We Differ... 10
addition to an increased market share against Expansion 12
the ‘Big 4’ and other grocery stores in the UK. Planning Policy 14
Planning Compliance 16
Aldi experienced 10.4% growth in 2018, Summary 18
while achieving a market share high of Case Studies 20
7.4% (Kantar Worldpanel for 12 weeks
ending 20/12/2018).
Aldi leads the way on supporting British Purpose of this Document
farmers. 100% of our fresh everyday meat
and poultry in the UK is from British, The purpose of this document is to • increasing competition resulting in lower
Red Tractor approved farms and more than demonstrate to Local Authorities how Aldi prices for consumers
40% of the fresh fruit and vegetables we sell in meets the sustainable development objectives • greater overall economic activity within that
the UK are also British. set out in Development Plans and in National particular area
Planning Policy. • reducing the distance required to travel
The main attraction of Aldi for UK consumers • increased retail choice
is great value at low prices. Added to that Aldi The report sets out significant economic and • regeneration of a local area
also stocks an improved range and quality community benefits which can be achieved
of products, and British-sourced fresh meat. through the opening of new Aldi stores within Aldi is aware however that each new site
All of this has combined to give Aldi a unique towns and communities. needs to be approached in an individual
position within the grocery market. manner, with local planning policies and
A new store in a local catchment area can priorities taken into account. Aldi believes that
provide benefits such as: the benefits outlined above are an integral
• new employment opportunities part of any planning application.
2 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and Benefits
Benefits and Advantages of an Aldi store
By addressing the objectives of local and national policies in planning
applications for new stores, the benefits that Aldi brings to the wider
community will be realised by more households.
These direct benefits include: created for Local Authorities help to boost the
local economy and bring additional benefits to
• Increased footfall to nearby businesses the community. “Multi-million pound
and centres investments are put directly
• A catalyst for future development in a local
area including pump priming sterile sites
Linked Trips into each new store at the
• Stimulating competition, which lowers development stage.”
Aldi is not a one-stop shopping destination
grocery prices and offers greater choice
like large supermarkets. Its stores do not
• Reducing travel costs for customers as they
feature many of the amenities provided by
can shop locally
• Creating permanent, local retail jobs and
larger supermarket Price and Choice
formats, such as butchers,
training opportunities for the workforce
fishmongers, deli Aldi sells high quality goods at the lowest
• Increasing business rates and other
counters, pharmacies possible price. Discounted prices are usually
revenues for the local council
or cafes, thus reducing achieved through bulk buying and economies
• Bringing multi-million pound investment
into each site
competition with small “Aldi’s store concept of scale, specialising in the number of lines
independent traders.
• A sustainable business model means that shoppers are offered and maximising efficiency within the
operation of its stores. The end result is that
Aldi stores are modest in encouraged to continue
shoppers benefit by paying less.
Investment size, providing a discount to use other retailers and
food store choice within therefore real linked The range and price of goods sold provide
Not only do new Aldi stores create jobs but a given catchment area. trips occur.” shoppers with an opportunity to choose
they trigger further investment. New stores The limited product line to shop at Aldi in addition to the larger
often attract other retailers and businesses of circa 1,800 products supermarkets.
acting as a catalyst for regeneration, often means that, unlike a large supermarket format
by redeveloping failing or redundant sites. (which may sell up to 40,000 product lines),
This encourages further development and shoppers will often visit other local operators Accessibility
improvements to existing businesses. to complete their weekly shop. This means that
shoppers typically supplement their shop at Stores are conveniently located in town
Many of Aldi’s stores are developed on Aldi with additional trips to other shops centre or neighbourhood locations thus
brownfield sites, which were underperforming in nearby centres and supermarkets therefore they are accessible to communities.
or derelict. New stores bring life back to a real linked trips occur. Where stores are located in out-of-centre sites,
community and provide security for local they are much closer to communities than
businesses and residents. Aldi’s stores dedicate approximately 80% of Aldi’s nearest stores. New stores usually mean
their floorspace to convenience goods and shoppers can make shorter trips and continue
The investment an individual store brings approximately 20% to comparison goods to access local facilities, thus contributing to a
directly to a site at development stage made up of weekly specials. Given the short sustainable shopping experience.
is considerable. The knock-on effects for term, seasonal availability of the special lines,
suppliers, local contractors and the revenue they have a negligible effect on town centres.
4 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and Benefits
Benefits and Advantages of an Aldi store
Distance store staff
travel to work (%)
Job Creation Miles 2% 3% 4%
■ 0.0 - 2.5 ■ 10.1 - 12.5 4%
Aldi currently employs over 34,000 ■ 2.6 - 5.0 ■ 12.6 - 15.0
8%
colleagues in the UK, including over 24,000 ■ 5.1 - 7.5 ■ 15.1 - 17.5
within stores. ■ 7.6 - 10.0 ■ 17.6+
43% 13%
Aldi plans to recruit thousands of additional
colleagues at all levels during the next 23%
few years to support its store expansion
strategy. This means new opportunities in the
“Aldi employs between 30
stores and distribution side of the business. A
vast percentage of these will be hired from and 50 staff in its new stores.”
within the local communities where Aldi is
planning to open a store. Store roles
range from Caretakers and Store
Assistants to Deputy Store Managers,
Assistant Store Managers and Store 1 Caretaker
Managers.
“Currently the distribution centres 35 Store Assistants
Aldi employs between 30 and 50 including regional administration teams
colleagues in its new stores, and prefers account for 400-700 staff per region.”
to recruit colleagues locally as it
voluntarily enters into Local Labour steel, brick and block work and shop fitting are
Agreements, demonstrating its commitment to sourced locally, as well as cleaners and
a community. Aldi also offers one of the best labourers. Local or regionally based 1 Store Manager
working environments in the UK and one of contractors are usually more competitive as
the highest rates of pay in the supermarket travel and hotel costs aren’t required, therefore
5 Store Deputies
sector, with the majority of Aldi colleagues now keeping costs down and boosting the
receiving a minimum rate of £9.10 per hour, construction trade in a local area.
regardless of their age, as of February 2019. All 5 Stock Assistants 4-5 Assistant Store Managers
colleagues will benefit from rising salaries The expansion in store numbers is leading to
during their service, with Store Assistant requirements for new distribution centres
salaries rising to £10.41 in year four. Store and growth in existing distribution centres.
Assistants working within the M25 will receive This is resulting in further increases in jobs in
£10.55 per hour, rising to £10.89 in year three. the logistics part of the business, ranging
from drivers to management. On average Aldi
distribution centres account for the creation of
Indirect Jobs around 500 jobs per region.
Construction: At construction stage, Aldi is Aldi offers exceptional, market-leading salaries
willing to enter into Local Trade Agreements and offers full training for all
which ensure that local contractors are invited colleagues which is tailored to each
to tender for new development contracts. position and each individual. For
example, all Aldi Store Assistants
Due to the scale of the projects for new Aldi receive a structured training
stores, both local and national construction programme which typically
companies will subcontract large parts of their
“Aldi offers market-
lasts around six weeks and, where
projects to local or regional companies. possible, the training will take place leading retail salaries
Usually a range of skills such as ground works, in their local store. across all of its roles.”
6 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and Benefits
Benefits and Advantages of an Aldi store
Career Progression created more than 1,000 jobs for young people Candidates with a 2:1 degree in any discipline People:
since the initiatives began. and 96 UCAS points (or equivalent) are eligible Aldi’s colleagues are the key to its success and
Aldi has two of the most successful Graduate to apply. Those with experience of managing the company employs over 34,000 people
and Apprentice Programmes in the UK. Aldi Apprentices are offered a permanent a team in a previous role are able to join the in the UK. It provides an appealing, efficient
position at Aldi once they have completed their Programme via the Career Changer route and and supportive work environment and is
Aldi demonstrated its commitment to training successfully and gained the necessary start on a year two salary. Aldi also offers vast committed to ensuring that each colleague
employing young people even before the qualifications. Depending on the programme internal career progression opportunities receives the opportunity for individual
Apprentice Levy was introduced in April 2017 – applied for, this may include a Level 2 Retail across the business and provides additional personal growth.
having made a significant investment in the Management Qualification, Level 2 Warehouse training and qualifications to support
development and training of apprentices Operative Standard Qualification, Category C+E colleagues to progress and develop. Community:
since it first launched its Stores Apprenticeship licence or a Level 2 LGV standard qualification. Aldi seeks to make a positive contribution
Programme in 2012. It then introduced the to the communities of which it is a part by
Logistics Apprenticeship in 2013 and further There are more than 70 graduate places Corporate Responsibility applying its skills and resources beyond
extended its Apprenticeship offering with available for the 2019 Area Management the core business operations. Aldi supports
the Drivers Apprenticeship in 2016. The three Programme. Graduate Area Managers spend 12 Aldi has a comprehensive Corporate Social charitable organisations with donations of
available Apprenticeship programmes have months training and learning the ropes before Responsibility (CSR) programme in place, money and products as well as by using other
they are given responsibility for four stores covering three key pillars: simplicity, resources available to the company, including
of their own. The training covers the entire consistency and responsibility. the time and skills of employees.
spectrum of running a retail operation and is a
UK-wide Programme. Aldi takes its responsibilities seriously and Environment:
actively promotes its five areas of Corporate Aldi aims to minimise the ecological footprint
Responsibility, many of which are already of the entire business and strives to become
“Over 1,000 apprentices hired mentioned throughout this document. a climate-neutral company. Aldi continues to
by Aldi as part of a three-year increase energy efficiency across the business,
programme across the UK.” Aldi is responsible to its minimising the impact of refrigerants,
• Customers improving logistics efficiency, using renewable
• Supply Chain energies and supporting climate protection
• People projects. Aldi aspires towards zero-waste
• Community business practices; reduce, reuse and recycle.
• Environment
In cooperation with architects, planners,
Customers: engineers and construction companies, Aldi
“Over 70 graduate places In addition to ensuring customers only buy implements innovative concepts to reduce
products of the highest standards and quality the environmental impact of stores and
available for the 2019 area at the lowest prices, Aldi provides information distribution centres.
management programme.” so customers can make healthy choices when
buying food and drink, including alcohol,
by providing accurate and transparent
information through clear product labelling.
Supply Chain:
Sustainable buying practices are essential to
the long-term success of Aldi’s business.
“Aldi employs over 34,000 Aldi’s aspiration is that all their products are
people in the UK.” made in a sustainable way. Together with
its suppliers, Aldi works towards increased
transparency and continued improvement
within the supply chain.
8 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and Benefits
How we differ...
to work, and the Guardian Best Graduate An Aldi shopping trip often forms one part
Employers lists. of a wider shopping trip for convenience
goods. This allows existing businesses within
Aldi offers a significant choice of locally local communities, as well as the larger
sourced fresh meat and produce – Aldi sources supermarkets, to continue trading as
its fresh meat and produce from the UK. they were.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are also sourced in
the UK when in season, such as strawberries, In addition, Aldi’s store format allows
salads, carrots and potatoes. In addition, customers to spill over to local shops, as we
Aldi works with a range of local businesses don’t sell tobacco and we don’t have in store
and suppliers in order to supply fresh bread, concessions such as a Post Office, a pharmacy
milk and other dairy products. As such, or a café.
new Aldi stores provide a boost to the regional
business community. Aldi launched its Corporate Social
Responsibility Policy (CSR Policy) in 2012,
ensuring that responsibility is an integral part
of our corporate decision-making processes,
including within the supply chain.
Aldi ensures that its prices are affordable,
so customers can be reassured that their
grocery bill will remain consistently low over a
Aldi’s business model has proved ideally suited to take sustained period of time.
advantage of gaps within the current UK grocery market,
Aldi does not operate a loyalty card scheme
by challenging the ‘Big 4’ supermarkets. Aldi’s business model or gimmicky offers which result in price
limits operating costs to ensure the lowest possible prices for fluctuations for shoppers from week to week.
its range of exclusive brands. It is essential for Aldi that all products are
made responsibly; they do not damage the
environment or workers.
The evidence for this is Aldi’s increasing recognised brands, unlike
market share, indicating that shoppers the major superstores
Aldi’s CSR Policy is constantly evolving as an
have been impressed with their overall which stock between
important component of Aldi’s investment
experience. 15,000 and 40,000 lines.
“Aldi received in local communities and is a strong offering
Aldi offers a consistent familiar shopping Aldi stores do not feature a total of compared to most other retailers.
environment, which resonates with consumers, in-house bakeries, 16 gold accolades
compared to the confused formats and butchers, pharmacies at the Grocer
promotions which are used by competitors in or cafes and so have a Own Label
order to increase or retain market share. minimal impact on small,
local businesses.
Awards.”
Aldi uses three key formats on its products; “Where possible Aldi’s
its ‘Core Range’, ‘Specially Selected’ and This format is backed up by a range of fresh meat is UK sourced.
‘Everyday Essentials’, which are easily award-winning products, which have been Fresh fruit and vegetables, such
understood by consumers. endorsed by industry leaders. Aldi was
awarded ‘Grocer of the Year’ in the prestigious
as strawberries, salads, carrots
Aldi has a core range of around c. 1,800 2018 Grocer Gold Awards and continually and potatoes are also sourced in
products and only around 5% of these are features within the Times Top 100 places the UK when in season.”
10 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and Benefits
Expansion
Aldi has an ambitious growth
strategy for the next few years.
Aldi is planning to open 60 new
stores in 2019 and will operate “Aldi’s stores often provide
a neighbourhood function
1,200 by 2025 across England, which is reflected in
Scotland and Wales. It also the scale of development
plans to extend a number of and relationship with
stores in order to expand the the community.”
available retail space.
Over the next decade,
Aldi hopes to double
its store portfolio,
offering significant
“Aldi is planning to
development
opportunities for open 60 stores per year
Councils across the across England, Scotland
UK to enhance their and Wales.”
communities.
All distribution centres have undergone
significant expansion, a new RDC opened
on the Isle of Sheppey in January 2019 and
the East Midlands will have a new, dedicated
distribution centre in Sawley in 2020. • Aldi’s stores provide a neighbourhood
function which is reflected in the scale of
development and relationship with the
Typical Site Requirements community
Aldi is constantly on the look-out for new sites New sites are identified by Aldi when it is a
that can accommodate new stores. Aldi has viable business opportunity in order to allow
a standard store format which is essential prices in store to remain consistently low.
to minimise development costs which are
otherwise reflected in prices for customers.
A typical site would be at least 0.7 hectares
(1.7 acres) and can accommodate
• a store of circa 1,900m2 gross
• at least 100 car park spaces
• provision for site access
• provision for servicing and deliveries
• landscaping
Regional Distribution
• Aldi’s stores are modest in size
Centre (RDCs)
12 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and Benefits
Planning Policy
The NPPF states that: ‘sustainable development “Aldi has a strong track
can be summarised as meeting the needs of record in delivering schemes
the present without compromising the ability of which contribute to the needs
future generations to meet their own needs.’ of the local economy.”
It is about positive growth – making economic, Town Centre Locations
environmental and social progress for this and
future generations. The planning system As a retail operator, Aldi recognises that town
should therefore seek to facilitate sustainable centres form an integral part of communities.
development. Many of Aldi’s stores are located in town
centres, neighbourhood centres and on edge
Aldi supports the three overarching objectives of centre sites, supporting and encouraging
of achieving sustainable development set out new businesses. Many sites provide the
in the NPPF: opportunity to redevelop and regenerate
centres which have suffered from high levels
• an economic objective – to help build a of vacant units and old building stock.
strong, responsive and competitive
economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of
the right types is available in the right places
Community Site Locations
and at the right time to support growth
Increasingly Aldi is opening stores in the heart
of communities, many in residential and mixed
• a social objective – to support strong, vibrant
commercial areas. Often the local catchment
and healthy communities, including
areas that Aldi stores serve are outside of town
fostering a well-designed and safe built
centres and local authorities recognise that our
environment, with accessible services
supermarkets provide a local offer, keeping
spend local and reducing travel costs. “Aldi contributes to positive
• an environmental objective – to contribute
that the modest size of stores and moderate
to protecting and enhancing our natural, growth, making economic,
turnover has negligible impact on town centre
built and historic environment; including Retail Assessments convenience offers. Overall, the assessments environmental and social
making effective use of land, and mitigating
show that the positive benefits on balance progress for this and
and adapting to climate change, including Where Aldi’s new stores are located in
moving to a low carbon economy out-of-centre locations, it is important we
significantly outweigh any potential harm. future generations.”
demonstrate that the proposal is Sustainable
Most of Aldi’s sites are well connected to town Development in line with the NPPF, thus Competition Commission
centres or within the heart of communities, addressing the two key tests of Impact and
with many customers travelling on foot and by Sequential Sites Assessment. During the investigations by the Government’s
public transport.
Competition Commission into the grocery Aldi is a prime example of how increased
An impact assessment is usually required for sector, the Office of Fair Trading (J Fingleton, competition provides customers with greater
National Policy recognises that to deliver
out-of-centre schemes, and in particular those 2006) stated that ‘Legislation is to protect choice whilst not compromising quality. The
sustainable development, Local Authorities
of 2,500m2 gross or more. Aldi stores sit competition not competitors. In many key driver when choosing where to buy
need to:
comfortably below this threshold and many scenarios consumers benefit from convenience goods is the quality and the price,
Local Authorities recognise that the modest increased productivity and efficiency in thus keeping competition healthy with the
• build a strong, competitive economy and
size of our stores does not require a full impact terms of choice, wider availability, greater larger supermarket operators and keeping
ensure the vitality of town centres
assessment. Our impact assessments show innovation and lower prices.’ more change in the purse.
14 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and Benefits
Planning Compliance
Planning Policy encourages:
• a positive approach from decision takers
• approval of applications for sustainable development where possible
• Councils to work proactively with applicants to secure developments that
improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area Catchment
“Aldi’s stores comply
Aldi’s modestly sized stores mean that many network, but transferred
with development plan
towns can accommodate more than one or linked trips. The local
Aldi’s stores are modest in size, providing Out-of-centre store, serving shoppers visiting a town centre nature of many of Aldi’s policies in town,
a complementary convenience retail
offer to existing convenience shopping and within local neighbourhoods. A new stores also encourages district and local centres
Aldi’s edge of centre,
provision in their respective catchment
community and retail “The local nature of many of
store often provides a shorter shopping trip, high levels of pedestrian which meet the
areas. Aldi’s stores are spread across a therefore reducing the need to travel as far, shoppers and users
park stores which are Aldi’s stores also encourages national ‘town centre first’
range of geographical areas. often to a store outside of the catchment area. of public transport.
not attached to defined
high levels of pedestrian This assists in clawing back trade which may Pedestrian shoppers are
policy objectives.”
centres have been
Some are located in: shoppers and users of public otherwise be spent elsewhere. particularly common in
approved by Local
• town, district, local and residential areas.
Planning Authorities transport.”
neighbourhood centres Aldi’s local presence helps to retain
because each have
• edge of centre sites expenditure within a given catchment
• local communities
demonstrated that they
area and contributes to improving market
Design Compliance
meet Development Plan objectives, do not
• retail and leisure parks share further demonstrating sustainable
harm the vitality and viability of nearby centres Aldi recognises that design is a key
development.
and provide Sustainable Development. consideration and takes great pride in
Community Engagement Aldi chooses sites in local catchment areas their appearance. Aldi injects multi-million
which can serve local communities, therefore Viability pound investments into its sites to provide
Aldi engages in pre-application consultation reducing the need to travel and providing modern buildings.
with councils and the local community, a convenient offer without having to make Aldi’s cost efficient concept means that often
involving meetings with local councillors, a longer trip. The environmental, social it has to avoid complicated sites with land Moving forward, the design of each store is
planning officers and members of the and economic benefits of Aldi’s locations assembly issues which are often located in consistent across Aldi’s portfolio, promoting
public. We hold exhibitions, provide letters provide a convenient and competitive town centre locations. In such catchments, modern, smart buildings with clean lines on
to local residents and advertisements in shopping experience. Aldi will seek to identify less complicated main elevations and glazed frontages. In
the local press. At exhibitions, members sites further afield, to edge and out-of- sensitive areas, such as conservation areas,
of local communities, councillors and other centre locations. This is a positive response to bespoke detail is implemented. Aldi’s
stakeholders can visit Aldi’s project team
Choice consumer choice for shoppers as it allows Aldi maintenance programme ensures all
to discuss the proposals and get answers to keep its prices low and therefore, combined buildings are reviewed and maintained to
to any questions. Local engagement is
Aldi stores do not provide “Aldi wants to invest in your with other benefits, offsets any perceived retain standards. This programme emphasises
important and allows Aldi to work with the
a ‘one stop shop’ due to community to provide a new adverse impact on those centres. Aldi’s attention to detail.
their modest scale and
community to provide the right scheme and local supermarket with
limited product range
establish support.
including branded quality products at low Highway Compliance Residential Amenity
goods. This means Aldi’s prices in an accessible and
In-centre customers generally sustainable location.” Aldi considers highway matters within The form, scale, appearance and layout of
shop elsewhere as well, all its planning applications. Proposed the proposed developments are taken
Aldi’s stores in town, district and local centres to complete a full weekly developments are encouraged to promote into consideration within all planning
comply with Development Plan policies shop. Aldi’s complementary offer therefore accessibility by all modes of travel, specifically applications located close to residential areas.
which meet the national ‘town centre first’ provides a balance for shoppers who want the public transport, cycling and walking. Given Aldi’s project team works closely with
policy objectives. freedom to choose where they shop in their that proposed stores are conveniently located, residents to ensure they are informed of the
local area to get best value for their budgets. the majority of car trips are not new to the development’s progress.
16 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and Benefits
Summary
Aldi is keen to demonstrate to Councils
that Aldi considers all factors in preparing
its development proposals for new stores.
In addition to its town centre stores, both edge
and out-of-centre stores continue to provide
benefits to shoppers and communities by
providing economic, social and environmental
benefits, therefore providing Sustainable
Development in line with planning policy.
Aldi shoppers continue to shop in smaller,
local shops, thus keeping competition alive
in the convenience sector of local towns.
Benefits of Sustainable
Planning
In line with national planning guidance, “Aldi is not a one-stop-shop
development should be sustainable.
so it forms part of a wider
weekly food shop, therefore
shoppers continue to support
other convenience store
provisions including niche
“Wherever possible, fresh
Aldi is sustainable in so and larger stores.”
bread, dairy and meat many ways:
products are sourced from
• It creates development on brownfield sites • Many customers live within walking distance
the UK, therefore UK suppliers • It acts as a catalyst for regeneration in of new stores
benefit from the success underperforming areas • It is loyal to and committed to the
of the Aldi brand.” • It provides choice and accessibility for development of its staff
shoppers in local communities • Its efficient business format keeps costs
• Aldi is not a one-stop-shop so it forms part of down, prices down and contributes to
a wider weekly food shop, therefore shoppers improving the environment
continue to support other convenience store • Locally sourced produce benefits local
provisions including niche and larger stores suppliers
• Stores encourage linked trips to other • At design stage consideration is given to
convenience stores, services and other the local environment, residents and the
businesses highway network
• Stores are modest in scale therefore town • It sells quality products at low prices,
centres continue to thrive and function side which is attractive to all members of our
by side communities
• It creates economic regeneration with jobs in • Aldi stores serve local communities
stores, logistics and construction thus complying with national planning
• Local contractors benefit from new stores policy by encouraging local sustainable
• Customers can make shorter trips developments
18 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and BenefitsCase Studies
Public House and construction of a car park • 97% of respondents thought the store was
The Causeway, area. As a town centre scheme the proposals an improvement on the site and considered
were policy compliant and it was recommended the store has had a positive impact on the
Billingham that the application be approved. local area
• 69% of respondents live less than two miles
(Stockton-on-Tees
Planning Permission from the store, exhibiting that the store is well
Borough Council) used by people in the local area
Planning permission was granted by
Delegated Decision.
Store opened April 2016 Benefits
Town Centre Site • The store attracts local people to shop
Policy Compliance
locally and encourages linked trips within
The proposals were in compliance with the
the District Centre
development plan, as the site fell within
• Some local businesses have benefitted from
Billingham District Centre. The proposal would
Decision Making Process not have any adverse impacts on the character
the new store
Approved by Delegated Decision. • The store has increased footfall in the local area
of the area, amenity of neighbouring occupiers
• Aldi’s investment has aesthetically improved
or access and highway safety therefore meeting
Site Proposal the area, following redevelopment of a
town centre, sustainable living and sustainable
brownfield site
“Over 20% of customers
Erection of foodstore (1,540m2 gross) with travel objectives.
• Improved choice and low prices within an travel by sustainable modes.”
associated car parking and landscaping.
area served primarily by more expensive
Public Response supermarket operators
Store Size The application for the food store was supported • High quality design and reduction in carbon
1,540m2 gross/900m2 net by local residents with a total number of 60 emissions
letters of support and 2 petitions supporting the
Site Description application received during the formal
Mode of transport 25
The site is situated on the corner of Moreland consultation process carried out by Stockton
Borough Council.
jobs
Avenue and The Causeway, within Billingham
District Centre. The site was previously
created
74%
occupied by Billingham Arms Public House, Customer Survey ■ Car (driver)
a car park and public realm. • 12% of customers walk to the store and ■ Walk
9% travel by bus ■ Bus
Sequential Location • Over 20% of customers travel by sustainable ■ Car (passenger)
■ Other
Town centre site. modes demonstrating the store’s accessibility 1%
to the immediate community
■ Cycle
District centre
2%
• Most customers (63%) visit Aldi for main site
Local Environment 2%
shopping, 16% for top-up shopping and
The store is located within Billingham District 9%
21% for both purposes 12%
Centre. Queensway (a pedestrianised
• 92% of respondents also use other
shopping street) extends west of Moreland
supermarkets including the Asda store in
Avenue. The wider surrounding area is
Billingham District Centre (30%) and the
characterised by residential uses. 1,540m2/
Tesco Store at Leeholme Road (54%) Do you do other food shopping in the town centre?
• 46% of customers also use other convenience 900m2
Planning Process stores in the District Centre, demonstrating in size
An application for the erection of a 1,540m2 continued support for other shops in the YES
foodstore with associated car parking was centre following the arrival of Aldi
originally approved in 2011. In 2014 an • 49% of customers were going on to, or had
NO
application for a non-material amendment already been to, other shops in the centre,
was submitted alongside a detailed demonstrating linked trips following the
application for the demolition of the former arrival of Aldi 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
20 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and BenefitsCase Studies
6%
robust employment land assessment
3 Port Causeway, including marketing information to
demonstrate the site was not viable or suitable
Bromborough for B1, B2 and B8 uses. A sequential test and a
(Wirral Council) retail impact assessment were required and
both tests were passed and accepted by the
Council. It was also confirmed that Aldi would
Stored opened July 2017 keep its existing town centre store at nearby
Out-of-centre Site Bebington. The scope and content of all
assessments were agreed with officers before
the planning application was submitted.
The development was supported following
consensus that the site was unlikely to attract
Decision Making Process interest from end users or developers for
Approved by the Council’s Planning Committee employment uses and the retail proposal was
following officer recommendation to approve. the most appropriate use including the “91% of respondents find
creation of local jobs. the store is an improvement
Site Proposal on the site.”
Demolition of existing buildings and the Planning Permission
erection of a food store, car park, servicing, Planning permission was granted by the
access and landscaping. Planning Committee.
Customer Survey Benefits
• 91% of respondents find the store is an • Efficient use of a brownfield site which had
Store Size Policy Compliance
improvement on the site and has had a otherwise attracted no market interest for
1,812m2 gross/1,254m2 net The site is a departure from the Wirral
positive impact on the local area employment use
development plan, as the proposed
• 89% of customers also use other • Improved choice and low prices within an
30-35
development was identified as a Primarily jobs
Site Description supermarkets and shops in the area area served primarily by more expensive
Industrial Area on the UDP Proposals Map and created
The site is located at the junction of the A41 • 24% of customers continue to shop in their supermarket operators
UDP Policy EM8. However, Aldi’s Employment
New Chester Road and Port Causeway at the local town centre for food and other shopping • High quality design and reduction in carbon
Land Study, including over 12 months of
entrance to Wirral International Business Park. • 67% of customers live within three miles of emissions
marketing, met the criteria for loss of
The site was previously occupied by two the store providing a local store and keeping • Complements the mixed use corridor along
employment land. Combined with a retail
office buildings. travel costs low the A41
assessment which passed the sequential
• Sustainable development in a mixed use area
Sequential Location
and impact tests, it was demonstrated Improvement in the area
that the proposal was compliant with the Out-of-centre
Out-of-centre site. site
local plan and NPPF thus planning permission
was granted. 91% 89% Distance travelled (miles)
Local Environment ■ Yes 35
The store sits within a mixed-use area
Public Response ■ No
comprising commercial, community and 30
There was limited resistance to the proposal by
residential uses, a park and fronted by a 9% 11%
members of the public with 91% of residents 25
landscaped area on the A41.
supporting the proposal as part of Aldi’s public
1,812m2/
consultation. Supporters expressed their 20 1,254m2
Visiting any other stores
Planning Process support for a new discount foodstore which in size
15
As the site was designated as a Primarily would replace a brownfield site.
Industrial Area, Aldi was required to prepare a 91% 89% 10
■ Yes 5
■ No
0
0.0-1.0 1.0-2.0 2.0-3.0 3.0-4.0 4.0-5.0 5.0-6.0 >6.0
9% 11%
22 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and BenefitsCase Studies
Planning Process
Chickerell, As the site was identified as Key Employment
Weymouth site, Aldi was required to prepare a robust
justification to demonstrate the proposal would
(West Dorset District Council) provide supporting facilities and an economic
enhancement over and above B1/B2/B8 uses.
A sequential test and a retail impact
assessment were required. Both tests
Store opened September 2017
were passed and accepted by the Council.
Out-of-centre Site It was considered that the retail use and
complementary uses would provide an
element of employment which on balance
bring a benefit to the local community.
Decision Making Process
Approved by the Council’s Planning Committee
following officer recommendation to approve.
Planning Permission “93% of respondents find
Planning permission was granted by the
the store is an improvement
Planning Committee.
Site Proposal on the site.”
Hybrid application: Full application for the
Policy Compliance
erection of a Class A1 foodstore with associated
The site is a departure from the West Dorset/
access, car parking and landscaping and
Weymouth & Portland Local Plan, as the Benefits
outline application for up to 500m2 of Use Class Customer Survey
proposed site was identified as a key • The store has become an asset to Chickerell
A1 to A5 floorspace. • 93% of respondents find the store is an
employment site. However, the submitted • Improved choice and low prices within an
improvement on the site and has had a
employment land assessment demonstrated area served primarily by more expensive
Store Size that a real effort has been undertaken to
positive impact on the local area
supermarket operators
30
• 97% of customers also use other
1,804m2 gross/1,254m2 net achieve alternative employment uses on that • High quality design and reduction in
jobs
supermarkets and shops in the area
site. Combined with a retail assessment which
• 24% of customers continue to shop in their carbon emissions created
Site Description passed the sequential and impact tests, it was
local town centre for food and other • The site is accessible by various
The store sits between the access road to Link demonstrated that the proposal was compliant sustainable modes of transport
shopping
Park ‘retail’ park and Cerne Villas residential with the local plan and NPPF thus planning • Introduction of a new store to serve
• 79% of customers visit the store at least
park. The store is served by 126 car parking permission was granted. West Weymouth
once a week
spaces with access from Chickerell Road. • 67% of customers live within four miles
Public Response of the store thus keeping shopping Out-of-centre
Sequential Location The local community and local members journeys local
Customer visits site
Out-of-centre site. supported the development, highlighting
the various benefits the store will bring to the
Improvement in the area
local area.
Local Environment 79%
The store sits within a mixed-use area
comprising commercial and residential uses.
1,804m2/
93% 97%
1,254m2
in size
1%
2%
3%
5% 10%
7% 3%
■ Yes ■ Once a week ■ More than once a week ■ More than once a month
■ No ■ Once a month ■ Daily ■ Less than once a month
24 Aldi UK Planning Opportunities and BenefitsCase Studies
Planning Process
4 Roman Way, As a mixed use development, officers
wanted to see a higher density development
Crayford and raised concerns regarding design.
(London Borough of Bexley) Aldi demonstrated that this was a deliverable
scheme on a long term vacant site.
Officers recognised the benefits of the scheme
including the design. Issues including
Store opened November 2016 highways and flood risk were also raised which
District Centre Site were overcome with appropriate transport
and flood risk assessments. The principle of
retail development at the site was accepted
due to its district centre location.
Decision Making Process
Approved at Council’s Planning Committee Planning Permission
following officer recommendation to approve. Planning permission was granted by
“87.5% of respondents
committee decision on 20 November 2015.
Site Proposal Unanimous support was obtained for the shopped at the store
Regeneration of the site through the proposals at committee. at least once a week.”
construction of a Class A1 foodstore unit,
together with 3 additional class A1 units and Policy Compliance
associated car parking and landscaping. The proposals were considered to be in
Customer Survey Benefits
compliance with the Local Development Plan • The store attracts local people to shop
• Most customers (79%) visit Aldi for main
Store Size and were recommended for approval locally and encourages linked trips within
shopping, 23% for top-up shopping and
1,834m2 gross/1,266m2 net within the Officers Report. Subsequently, the the District Centre
application was approved by committee in
20% for both purposes
• The store has increased footfall in the
43
• 91% of respondents also use other
Site Description November 2015. local area
jobs
supermarkets including the town centre
The site is bound by Roman Way and is located Sainsbury’s (48%) and the Asda store (15%) • Aldi’s investment has aesthetically improved created
west of Crayford High Street. The site had been Public Response • 94% of respondents thought the store was the area, following redevelopment of a
vacant for over 10 years and was formally Aldi undertook extensive public consultation an improvement on the site and considered brownfield site left vacant for over 10 years
occupied by the Crayford BT exchange. through a leaflet drop to local residents the store has had a positive impact on the • Improved choice and low prices within an
and also met key stakeholders. More than local area area served primarily by more expensive
Sequential Location 90% of the local people that responded • 87.5% visit the store at least once a week supermarket operators
to the consultation expressed their support • 43 jobs created at the store, employing
District
District Centre site.
for the proposals. local people Centre
site
Local Environment
The site is located within Crayford Major District Improvement in the area Visiting any other stores
Centre and is situated on an ‘island’ site
alongside three additional commercial units,
two of which are occupied by Cancer Research
and KFC. The surrounding area is characterised 94.74%
94.74% 91.11%
91.11% 1,834m2/
by further commercial uses. 1,266m2
in size
5.26%
5.26% 8.89%
8.89%
■ Yes ■ Yes
■ No ■ No
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