AN award-winning discount food retailer has submitted a planning application to Cumberland Council for an improved food store in Whitehaven.

Aldi wants to create the new store on an alternative site at Preston Street, which is currently used as a car park and is a focus for local regeneration.

Allocated for development, it has been identified as an ‘opportunity site’ for a range of uses, including retail, in the council’s emerging plan.

The plans protect all existing jobs at Aldi’s current store and create up to 10 new, full-time equivalent jobs for local people paid at an industry-leading rate of £11.40 per hour.

Additionally, the proposals would create further employment during construction and via the supply chain.

Aldi is proud to have been part of the community in Whitehaven since 1994. However, the existing store has become outdated, and is now the smallest store in Cumbria.

The proposed new store would have a net sales area of 1,356sqm, compared to 940sqm at the existing store.

Aldi has explored a number of options to deliver an improved experience at the existing Preston Street store and extended it in 2007. However, the sites constraints have limited further opportunities to extend.

The relocated Aldi food store would provide a much-improved shopping experience for Whitehaven residents, including wider aisles, customer toilets and self-check-out till options.

The scheme has attracted a significant level of local support during the public consultation in August; with 97 per cent of respondents expressing their support for the proposals.

Residents welcomed the proposals as an effective use of the site and recognised the need for an improved Aldi store.

Residents also welcomed the investment in the local economy, creation of further jobs, and greater retail choice the proposals represent.

A spokesperson for Aldi, said: “We are delighted to have submitted our plans for an improved Aldi food store at a new site on Preston Street, Whitehaven, to Cumberland Council.

“We would like to thank the community for the exceptionally high level of support and interest we have received throughout our public consultation.

“Our improved store would provide a greater shopping experience for residents in the local area.”

Should the application be approved, Aldi will commence marketing of the existing unit for a new occupier and has a successful track record in this regard.

Cumberland Council will determine the application, with a decision expected to be made in the coming months.

The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s website, using the application reference 4/23/2314/0F1.

Anyone who would like to find out more details about Aldi’s proposals can contact a member of

the project team on the Freephone information line, 0800 298 7040, visit the project website or email feedback@consultation-online.co.uk.