A LEADING St John’s councillor has expressed concern over proposals which could see the former PC World store on Tybridge Street revamped into an Aldi supermarket.
Coun Richard Udall has called on planning chiefs at Worcester City Council to debate the planning application because of its proximity to St John’s.
The discount supermarket giant submitted plans for a second city store in April after PC World closed its doors in favour of a merged Currys/PC World store on Blackpole Retail Park.
But the Labour councillor said a number of residents and local traders has expressed serious concern over the impact of a second Aldi store in Worcester.
“It could reduce the footfall within St John’s,” said Coun Udall.
“No public transport links exist, no bus stops are close and it could add to local traffic congestion.
“St John’s is anchored by food retail, developing a large food retail unit outside the existing retail area could bleed trade away from St John’s.
“St John’s depends upon food retail for its trade and footfall; this development could significantly damage the commercial life of the existing local business community.
“The St John’s District Centre is very vulnerable. It is just starting to recover from recession any setback such as this development could seriously harm its future viability; we cannot afford to see more empty shops in St John’s,” he added.
Coun Udall said he wanted to secure a debate on the application as Aldi was a popular store but it was important to get the location right for any new store.
“We need to be sure that by developing food retail in Tybridge Street we are not going to have a serious and long standing detrimental impact for other traders and the community of St John’s,” he said.
“It is vital for St John’s that such decisions are taken with full consideration of the facts and with full awareness of the risks involved, this way both traders and residents will be able to have their say on such a major development and how it will impact upon their community”.
“I am not opposed to Aldi, they are a good store, selling quality produce at affordable prices. “However, I do have serious concerns about any new food store at this location.
“It is a site which has previously been reserved for non-food development in order to protect existing St John’s shops.”
A city council spokesman said: “We have received Coun Udall’s request and this application will be coming before the planning committee, hopefully in August.”
