A SUPERMARKET giant remains positive about its plans for a new Cumbrian store after the scheme was delayed to consider the impact on a major road.

Aldi wants to build a new food store on land at East Road/Wyndham Place in Egremont.

A planning application was lodged with Cumberland Council earlier this year but National Highways advised that planning permission should not be granted until further details on the impact of the proposals on the A595 were provided.

The authority said this was required to ‘ensure the continued safe operation of the road network’.

Cumberland Council, the local highway authority, found the main issue with traffic impact would be on the A595 roundabout, which is is ‘at or near to capacity’ at certain times of day.

Documents filed this month show Aldi has provided further information in relation to the A595, as requested, and this will now be considered by National Highways and Cumberland Council.

A spokesperson for Aldi said: “Aldi is continuing to work with Cumberland Council and other statutory consultees on the planning application for a new food store in Egremont.

“The site, which has lain dormant since 2020, was previously used as a petrol station and Ford dealership. It is allocated as an ‘opportunity site’ suitable for commercial and employment development within the emerging Local Plan. 

“The application is currently under review by Cumberland Council and we hope to receive a positive outcome in the coming months.”

Aldi said a new food store at the site would meet local demand and cut travel times for residents in an area ‘with limited food shopping choice’.

The scheme is estimated to provide up to 40 new, full time equivalent jobs.

Egremont Town Council has said overall it supports the plans and believes the store would be an asset to the town.