Supermarket given go-ahead in Stockton

Bosses at Aldi plan to build a store on the former Lords Tavern site, in Yarm Lane, about 500m outside the town centre.

Members of Stockton Borough Council’s planning committee voted seven to two in favour of the scheme on Wednesday.

However, planning officers had recommended the scheme for refusal after listening to concerns about the impact on the regeneration of the town centre.

Residents living in the area claim the supermarket is needed to improve what has become a run-down area and provide better facilities.

Speaking at the meeting, Richard Poundford, head of regeneration and economic development, said there had been difficulty in filling vacant shops in the town centre.

He added: "This application is putting at risk a major part of the town centre regeneration plan."

Stockton Borough Council’s town centre manager has said significant investment in the town centre is needed and approving the Aldi could have a detrimental impact on the town centre.

Aldi says the new store will bring jobs to the area and the Yarm Lane site is the only suitable location having explored all other options available.

Forty-five letters in favour of the plans and four letters of objection were submitted to the council. A 20-signature petition in favour of the plans was also handed in.

Councillor Bob Gibson said: "The town centre is struggling, but it struggles in the good times.

"My tendency is to support the residents, I think they have got it right. It doesn’t add any value to the High Street by not building this supoermarket."

Councillor Phillip Broughton added: "I think it is a great opportunity for regeneration of this area. Competition is healthy and a good thing.

"I don’t see why we have to choose over regeneration of town centre and this area. I believe the residents have got it right."

However, Councillor Tina Large said: "I feel I cannot support it due to further conflict with the regeneration plan."