Bigger and better Aldi supermarket for Lewes approved

The current store in Brooks Road has a retail area of 990m2 and 81 parking spaces, but the replacement unit located in the northern part of an enlarged site, would provide 1,254m2 of floorspace and 110 parking spaces.

Three industrial units, two of which are currently occupied, will have to be demolished to make way for the larger Aldi.

Permission for the scheme was granted by the South Downs National Park Authority’s planning committee last Thursday (March 12).

Agent for the scheme Alastair Close said the decision to redevelop the ‘successful store’ had not been taken lightly but the existing site was just too small and often congested.

He added: “This store is a valuable part of Lewes town centre. This investment allows us to protect that for the long-term future and realise these benefits.”

Officers explained that while the loss of the industrial units would lead to a loss of 12 jobs, the new Aldi store would safeguard 30 existing jobs and lead to the creation of an extra 20.

They also described how the design of the scheme had been significantly revised and improved after negotiations between the national park and applicant.

Heather Baker said: “It seems an excellent scheme and I’m delighted to hear Aldi are moving forward with a very positive approach like this and we will be finding 20 extra jobs for people in the community.

“It’s sad that two businesses are going to have to look for alternative premises. However they have been given a long period of time and I hope they will get all the help they need.”

William Meyer added: “Aldi should be congratulated for bringing forward a much more acceptable scheme. There’s no such thing as perfect but I think they have done a pretty good job.”

The new store would be located along the western site boundary with active frontage on its southern elevation.

Vehicle access would remain unchanged for both lorries and cars coming from Brooks Road to the east of the site.

A lorry turning area would be differentiated from the rest of the car park.

Pedestrian access would be provided across the car park, with a path proposed from the front of the store up to the perimeter close to the bus stop.