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Plans for new supermarket approved in Towcester
Up to 60 new jobs could be created following the approval of plans for a new supermarket and retail units in Towcester.
Last month the West Northants Development Corporation's Towcester planning committee unanimously approved plans for a new Aldi supermarket and two new office units on the Central Wool Growers site in Old Greens Norton Road.
As well as creating new jobs, it is hoped the development will regenerate a dilapidated brownfield site at the entrance to Towcester.
Aldi has also agreed to contribute over 200,000 to local infrastructure improvements.
In order to reduce the impact on town centre trade in Towcester, WNDC has placed a number of conditions on the planning approval, demanding a focus on 'deep discount' food retail. The store will not be able to include additional services such as a dry cleaner or a pharmacy, or include the sale of newspapers, magazines, tobacco or branded medical or beauty products.
Earlier designs for the flagship store had been rejected by members of South Northants Council's planning committee who felt it would not provide an appropriate gateway to the town.
But following a revamp, the plans were approved.
WNDC's director of planning services, Adrian Arnold, said: "This development is excellent news for Towcester. It will create new jobs, and breathe new life into a part of the town that requires regeneration.
"It will also increase the shopping offer available to local people, while complementing the existing businesses of the town.
"Importantly, it is a particularly high-quality design that will fit in well with its surroundings."
A spokesperson for Aldi said after three years of planning and consultation they were delighted at the planning approval and added: "We are looking forward to bringing our unique mix of outstanding-quality products at very competitive prices to the residents of Towcester and the surrounding villages."
The company told the Advertiser that they do not yet know when the store will open.
Towcester Town Councillor Hilary Wright said: "I can't see any huge objections to it. It wouldn't have been given planning permission if they thought there were too many supermarkets in Towcester."
Mrs Wright also welcomed the extra competition and choice for shoppers.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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