Dalkeith Aldi store recommended for refusal

Aldi has expressed its disappointment that its proposed store at Thornybank Industrial Estate has been recommended for refusal by planning officials at Midlothian Council.

Stock picture by Michael Gillen of another Scottish Aldi store.

However, the supermarket chain remains confident that “the merits of the application will enable a positive decision” from the council’s planning committee when the application is heard next Tuesday (October 13).

Planners recommended refusal for reasons including the impact the new store would have on Dalkeith town centre and the loss of half the HS5 site allocated for housing.

Earlier this year, Aldi announced plans to build a new store at the Thornybank Industrial Estate in Dalkeith. This followed a public consultation period which resulted in 46 letters of support, with comments welcoming the new jobs that would be created, the increase in shopping choice and the convenience for local residents.

The new store – Aldi’s first in Midlothian - would represent a significant investment of around £3.6 million and create up to 35 local jobs within the store, together with new jobs during construction and within the Aldi supply chain.

Philip Johnston, Property Director – Scotland at Aldi, said: “Despite overwhelming public support for our proposals, we are disappointed and surprised that the application has been recommended for refusal by the Midlothian Council’s planning department.

“We remain confident however, that the robust planning case we have put forward, coupled with the overwhelmingly public support, means that a new Aldi store can open in Dalkeith and we look forward to the application being decided upon by councillors at next week’s planning committee meeting.

“Our proposed store in Dalkeith would be our first store in Midlothian which is a key growth area for Aldi.

“As well as bringing increase choice for shoppers, the proposals will transform a former industrial site and create up to 35 new local jobs in the town and an overall economic investment of £3.6m.”

The application is due to be determined by Midlothian Council’s planning committee at 1pm on Tuesday.