Aldi must build for new jobs in business too

But German ‘deep discount’ chain Aldi has only been given permission to build on the former Al-Ko Kober site, which has been disused for ten years, on condition it builds nine business units within six months of the store opening.

Warwick District Council’s planning committee last week gave permission for the 1,125sq metre store, which would have parking for 87 cars.

The Warwick Society had objected to the plans, arguing the area was designated for jobs and that retail development should take place in town centres.

Leamington Town Centre Partnership had also warned shops could be a “significant” threat to the town centre, suggesting Aldi should develop or release the derelict Stoneleigh Arms pub site in Clemens Street.

The company had offered to build nine industrial units within six months of the store opening. Committee chairman Cllr George Illingworth (Con, Kenilworth Abbey) said councillors were “adamant” this should happen.

He added: “We were very concerned that allowing retail into an industrial site at least allowed the employment infrastructure to be built.”

In all, 14 industrial units are proposed, including a garage for selling and repairing motorcycles.

Cllr Alan Wilkinson (Lab, Leamington Brunswick) had supported Aldi’s plans. He said: “Anything that promotes employment in south Leamington is to be welcomed.”