Aldi’s plans to build a new Merseyside store that will create up to 50 new local jobs have been approved by the council.
The supermarket giant wants to build its new store on the former Motor Range site off the A59 Northway in Maghull.
At its virtual meeting on Wednesday, Sefton Council’s planning committee gave the scheme the green light.
The shop will be 1,332 squared metres in size and will have 122 free car parking spaces. There will also be a drive thru coffee shop and restaurant.
Fifteen objections were received due to concerns such as increased traffic, noise pollution, and “no need for another supermarket”.
Cllr John Kelly said: “I welcome the proposal for the supermarket, but I’ve got real worries over this drive-thru, and the impact of the traffic heading north. And south, actually. It’s going to be horrendous there.”
But Sefton Highways manager Stephen Birch said: “Whether or not safe and suitable access can be provided without causing undue disruption is certainly a key issue, not just for the supermarket site, but also the drive thru.
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“We have carried out a thorough of the junction, as we need to be comfortable that the junction will operate. And we are satisfied that it will.”
Highways England also raised no concerns over congestion.
According to Aldi planning officers the plans will allow the regeneration of a brownfield site and will bring more food shopping choices for people in Maghull.
The company also predicts around £5million of investment will go into the local economy.
Aldi bosses said they met up with Sefton Council chiefs to discuss traffic issues which may occur (before lockdown).
The company said to combat this, it proposes that entering the site will be by a new access road off the A59 Northway and turning into this access road will be via a new traffic light controlled junction.
According to the plans the junction has been designed to “operate efficiently” alongside the improved Dover Road junction and there will be pedestrian crossing facilities.
The Maghull Neighbourhood Plan aims to improve “green corridors” within the town.
Developers have proposed planting trees trees along the western boundary of the A59 Northway, as well as agreeing to make a £30,000 contribution towards enhancing green infrastructure in the local area.
