Supermarket chain Aldi plan to build a huge new store close to a major roundabout in Horwich. The global retail giant has lodged detailed proposals to develop a site at the junction of De Havilland Way and Chorley New Road, near the Beehive roundabout.
The discount groceries firm, who currently operate at around 800 sites in the UK and Ireland, already have a store in Horwich at Mason Street, around a mile away from the proposed new site.
READ MORE: Green light for bus reform: What does it mean for passengers?
The Beehive roundabout and its feeder roads have long been the centre of traffic issues at peak times and Bolton Wanderers match days and already one local councillor has expressed concerns about the development causing ‘increased congestion’.
A design and access statement from the company, published this week by Bolton Council, said: “The total planning application site area extends to 18,885 square metres. The site is bordered to the south by De Havilland Way and Chorley New Road to the east and consists of a mixture of parking and soft landscaping in its current form.
“The wider context of the area with the exception of the large neighbouring business centre is a mixture of residential properties to the south and east and
commercial and retail properties to the north and west. ”
Aldi said they wished to create job opportunities for the area employing local contractors and labour during the construction of the store. The proposal would consist of a foodstore with a sales area of 1,315 sqm, with additional warehouse, staff and office facilities, totalling 1,804 sqm.
The site would have 145 car parking spaces. The plans added that ‘the proposed orientation of the building creates a strong retail frontage running perpendicular to De Havilland Way, drawing and directing people into the site from the main pedestrian access from Chorley New Road’.
The vehicle entrance to the site would be via Chorley New Road for both customers and HGVs. There would be a separate exit from the site for lorries and customers.
Horwich councillor David Grant, said: “My main concern is the access from De Havilland Way with slow moving cars leaving the store meeting fast moving vehicles, as well as increased congestion during rush hour and match days around the Beehive roundabout.”
The application will now be considered by planners at Bolton Council.
