Objections to Aldi amendments

The discount chain has asked to change the opening hours, loading times and add signs at its future store in Bramley.

There have been five new applications for the Bawtry Road site since planning permission was first granted in April 2014.

The latest is for delivery drivers’ loading hours to be extended. One neighbour said: “This is yet another concession being demanded by Aldi. 

“I strongly object to the loosening of conditions imposed when the original plans were submitted.”

Bramley resident Rob Foulds said: “They want to change the times of loading activities. A simple question, why have they only just realised this desperate need to change what they accepted?

“Didn’t they know what times they operated when they submitted their application?

“I think this gives absolute confirmation of how they established public support, obtained their planning permission and are now chipping away at the conditions to get what they always wanted in the first place.”

Proposals for a bigger version of the supermarket were passed last year, when Aldi targeted a spring 2016 opening.

The firm says it remains committed to the development but the revised date is now “later this year”.

It blamed unforeseen delays because of extra works needed to remove contamination from the site, which was formerly home to lighting and conservatory stores.

A spokesman said work on site would resume shortly. He added: “There have been a number of changes that we have had to make to bring the store in line with the more recent changes to our business model. 

“We hope these changes will create a more pleasant shopping environment and help bring fresh products to our shoppers.”

The store will create 30 new jobs, which will be advertised locally once construction work begins. 

Another planning application is for a 6m totem sign which was not pictured on previous artist’s impressions of the store. Bramley Parish Council has objected.