Aldi store backed over Lidl objection

Aldi wants to build on land off Philadelphia Lane where a bus depot once stood

Plans for a new Aldi supermarket on the site of an old bus depot have been backed by planners despite concerns from rival retailer Lidl.

Sunderland City Council planning officers recommended approving the application to build on land off Philadelphia Lane, north of Houghton-le-Spring.

Two objections were submitted, including from Lidl which argued an "out-of-centre retail unit may further deter people away from visiting and shopping" in the town itself.

Aldi's application, which it says will create 40 jobs, will go before the planning committee for a decision on 30 September.

In a public consultation there were 12 comments in support and two objections.

One of the objections, from retailer Lidl, said an "out-of-centre retail unit may further deter people away from visiting and shopping in the town centre” and could have "a significant adverse impact on [its] vitality".

Supporters said the food store would create jobs and benefit residents of new build houses in the area, as well as reducing driving to similar stores further away and regenerating the area.

A separate planning application about a different access point and food store location within the site is due to be discussed next week, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Sunderland City Council planning officers noted that the plans were "in accordance with both local and national retail planning policy” and would “not appear to lead to a material loss of daylight or privacy for the occupiers of nearby land and buildings”.

Council documents said a total of 100 car parking spaces are proposed, including five accessible bays and nine parent and child bays, as well as four electric vehicle charging points and cycle parking.