New Aldi supermarket on edge of Northampton recommended for approval despite complaints

Councillors will decide whether or not to approve a new Aldi supermarket on the outskirts of Northampton at a meeting tonight (Wednesday, March 24).

The store would be just off the A43 Kettering Road between Moulton and Overstone on land earmarked for a new shop as part of a wider development.

Overstone Parish Council has complained about neighbours not being consulted enough and Aldi 'plonking' its usual urban design in a rural setting.

But Daventry District Council's planning officer has recommended approving the application ahead of the planning committee meeting.

"The planning system is actively encouraged to assume a presumption in favour of sustainable development rather than being an impediment to sustainable growth," their report states.

"The site, being located with the local centre, as approved under the outline planning permission for Overstone Leys SUE (sustainable urban extension), will have a good level of accessibility and services.

"Most of these services are within reasonable walking and cycling distance Taking the above into account, this development is considered acceptable."

The Overstone Leys SUE, agreed in 2015, will include 2,000 homes, a school, a care home and a 'local centre' with a shop, which Aldi is hoping to provide.

The 1,842sqm supermarket's entrance would be off the newly-built Sywell Road and have a car park with more than 140 spaces.

In its objection letter, the parish council said the store's design had been submitted 'without any consideration for the area or the community' as it was broadly the same as Aldi's branches in Northampton.

The council officer wrote: "Significant amendments have been made to the appearance of the foodstore and as such it is now considered that the proposed design solution an appropriate contextual design response.

"It is not considered that the proposal will harm the amenities of future neighbouring properties."