Jobs vow as store bids to move in

Planning permission is already in place for a "mixed-use development" on the disused site in Claycliffe Road but now Aldi is seeking permission from Barnsley Council to amend the plans to include the new supermarket beside smaller shops.

An Aldi spokesman said: "This is a great opportunity to deliver additional choice and a new local centre for people in Barugh Green.

"The proposed development and associated car parking will provide a new focal point for the community and has the potential to offer a range of much-needed community stores and services to the benefit of everyone.

"This scheme is deliverable and brings real opportunity for this disused site."

The planning consent already granted for the site, which is referred to as an "unsightly parcel of land", gives the go-ahead for offices, shops and car parking.

Previously the same area, adjacent to the Chestnut Tree pub, was used as a petrol station, MOT testing centre and garden centre but has fallen into dereliction over some time.

An application from George Wimpey South Yorkshire and Claycliffe Property Developments to build 44 new homes on the site was refused in 2005, with Barnsley Council's planning board saying the land was unsuitable for housing and would be better used as an "employment site."

Claycliffe Property Developments then revised the application and resubmitted it in August 2007, for offices and a "small element of local retailing." Planning consent was granted last year but, as yet, no work has taken place.

Aldi's plans involve a main supermarket with 990 square metres of floor space, of which 80 per cent would be groceries and 20 per cent would be non-food and household goods.

A spokesman said: "The store is contemporary, featuring high quality glazing and rendering to give a clean, crisp look to the store.

"As part of the proposals for a new Aldi store, there will also be the provision of a range of new local centre facilities, including new shops and services.

"It is proposed that the smaller retail units will be available for other retail uses and services for the community.

"The car park will provide a total of 80 car parking spaces, with an additional 41 spaces for the users of the additional retail units, which would be constructed separately as part of the wider development of the site."

The Aldi spokesman added there is currently a "deficiency" of supermarkets in Barugh Green and residents often have to travel out of the area for their weekly shop.

"As well as regenerating the site itself, the proposal will provide between 50 and 60 jobs, including 20 to 30 jobs to be provided at the Aldi store alone," he added.

"Aldi believes there is a need for a new discount food store in the neighbourhood, bringing additional local choice for residents, especially those with a limited budget.

"Aldi stores sell predominantly own brand products and do not sell national newspapers, lottery tickets or cigarettes.

"They therefore sit well with other smaller stores, with shoppers using adjacent stores to 'top up' their Aldi shop."

The supermarket chain will be holding an open day to provide more information about its plans between 3pm and 7pm on Wednesday, March 24, at the Barugh Green Working Mens Club in Higham Common Road.

A freephone telephone line has also been set up on 0800 298 7040, which people can contact to find out more about the scheme.