After a lengthy six-year delay, the much-anticipated Aldi store in Longbridge, Birmingham, is finally set to move forward. The project, which will replace several old buildings on Bristol Road South, has been the subject of both frustration and celebration. While local councillors and residents are relieved to see progress, the extended wait has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Birmingham’s Frankley Great Park councillor, Simon Morrall, who called the delay an “absolute abomination.”
Background and Approval Process
The plan to build the new Aldi store was approved by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee last month. This decision comes after the original application was rejected back in 2018. The new store will feature 109 car parking spaces, including four dedicated to electric vehicles, and ten bicycle spaces under the store entrance canopy. According to a report from a council officer, the development is expected to create approximately 50 jobs, with a mix of full-time and part-time positions, prioritizing local community recruitment.
Reading Suggestion Last Chance for UK Households to Apply for £200 Cost of Living Payment Before Fund Closes
The project received substantial community support, with 272 letters backing the development. Supporters highlighted the store’s importance, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. They emphasized that the new Aldi would contribute to the growth and revitalization of the Longbridge area, which has been struggling since the collapse of Rover in 2005.
Councillor Morrall’s Criticism
Councillor Simon Morrall, a vocal supporter of the Aldi project, expressed his frustration over the six-year delay. He and fellow councillor Cllr Delaney have been advocating for the store since the initial proposal, which was rejected despite overwhelming public support. Morrall criticized the Labour-run Birmingham City Council, accusing them of unnecessarily dragging out the process.
“This site has been an eyesore since Rover went under in 2005, the same year I finished school at Colmers,” Morrall stated. “It’s great that the planning committee has finally come to their senses, but it shouldn’t have taken this long to start the construction.”
Morrall did not hold back in his criticism, describing the delay as an “absolute abomination of the planning process” at Birmingham City Council. Despite his frustration, he expressed optimism about the store’s future, stating that it would serve many residents in the B45 area, providing much-needed jobs and helping families cope with rising living costs.
Past Rejection and Changing Conditions
The 2018 rejection of the Aldi proposal was primarily due to the site’s designation as a ‘Regional Investment Site,’ which was part of the Birmingham Development Plan. At the time, the council believed that the land should be preserved for industrial development rather than retail.
However, significant changes have occurred since then. The Birmingham Development Plan’s Preferred Options Document, which was out for consultation last month, indicates a shift in focus. The consultation suggests that the main area of the Regional Investment Site will continue to prioritize industrial development, but the site in question, along with its wider frontage, is now deemed suitable for other types of growth, including retail.
Councillor Gareth Moore, who was part of the committee that reviewed the 2018 application, supported the store back then and continues to do so now. “I remember when the application came to committee in 2018, and I voted in favor of it. I thought it would be a good addition to the area, and I still feel the same way. I’m glad it’s finally been approved.”
The council’s report acknowledged that the changes in site allocation and the development of nearby areas in recent years played a crucial role in reconsidering the Aldi proposal. These changes, along with the community’s need for accessible retail options, provided a “material consideration and exceptional justification” for approving the store’s construction.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
With the Aldi store set to begin construction, many residents and local businesses are optimistic about the positive impact it will have on the community. The store is expected to provide affordable shopping options, especially important as people continue to face financial challenges. Additionally, the creation of new jobs will benefit the local economy, offering employment opportunities to those living in Longbridge and surrounding areas.\
Reading Suggestion  New ‘Cheaper Than Pret’ CafĂ© in Birmingham Draws Crowds with Its Affordable Menu and Fast Service
The development is also seen as a significant step in the ongoing regeneration of Longbridge, a community that has struggled to rebuild following the decline of the automotive industry. The new Aldi store is poised to become a key player in the area’s growth, attracting more visitors and potentially sparking further investment in the region.
Conclusion
The approval of the Aldi store in Longbridge marks the end of a long and frustrating wait for many residents and local leaders. While the six-year delay has been met with criticism, the store’s impending construction is a welcome development that promises to bring much-needed jobs, affordable shopping, and a boost to the local economy. As the area continues to evolve, the Aldi store is set to play a vital role in Longbridge’s future, contributing to its growth and revitalization.
