Concerns raised over plans for former Aldi supermarket site in Berwick
Plans to redevelop a former supermarket site in Berwick have met with a number of objections.
An application has been lodged to build a laundrette, 6-bay jetwash and 2-bay drive through car wash on the former Aldi site on North Road.
However, concerns have been raised by Berwick Town Council about the illuminated signage proposed and the impact it would have on nearby residents.
It is also seeking reassurance that the drainage is sufficient to cope with the amount of cleaning products used and whether there may be impact on a nearby stream. The county’s ecologist has also called for further information and evidence of how wastewater will be disposed of.
Six letters of objection have also been submitted by local residents.
Kristine Reilly-Blake comments: “It is a waste of a valuable site, offers no community benefit, and represents a poor, low quality use of land that could instead support facilities desperately needed by the people of Berwick upon Tweed.”
Amanda Hepworth adds:” I am dismayed by the proposed use of the former Aldi site which is of no real benefit to the community at all. This site is located on the main road into our historic town. We already have numerous outlets for car washing and laundry.”
And Mark Farnaby writes: “We need something new and for the current kids and future generations.”
The site has been unoccupied since Aldi relocated to Loaning Meadows Retail Park in September 2022.
Berwick Civic Society state: “Whilst a more attractive use for the site would have been preferred locally, in planning terms the proposed use is appropriate for a main road location.”
A planning report on applicant Woodcock Contracting’s behalf states: “This proposed development on a former retail store site will ensure that a vacant site on a main approach road to Berwick upon Tweed is fully utilised for use by the general public and visitors to the town.”
It adds that the car wash would be constructed in two phases as demand rises, the first phase along the south west boundary to include the service area with phase two being located to the north east side.
Recycled trusses from the demolition of the former Aldi Store would be used in the construction of the laundrette.