Aldi loses planning appeal for site near Bourne Wood

A supermarket will not built on the edge of a town because it would ‘harm the character and appearance of the area’, a planning inspector has ruled.

German-owned supermarket giant Aldi had a planning application for West Road in Bourne turned down by South Kesteven District Council but decided to fight the decision.

An appeal was heard by a Government planning inspector in Bourne Corn Exchange on April 23, with representatives from Aldi and from the council giving their views. Members of the public and the town council also joined in.

Aldi argued that the site, between Bourne Wood and the first roundabout on West Road, was right for the superstore and that there was no defined ‘gateway’ to Bourne that could be spoiled.

They also claimed there was strong support locally for a new supermarket in Bourne, and that landscaping would screen the new development.

But the planning inspector, who issued his appeal decision today (Friday, June 27), said: “The proposal would not be appropriate in scale of form to its location and would be in stark contrast to the rural character and setting of the area, causing localised, but nonetheless harmful and permanent effects on the landscape.”

He later adds: “I conclude that the proposal would represent a significant, urbanising development that would extend obtrusively into the countryside.”

While acknowledging the supermarket would have brought jobs and other economic benefits, as well as choice for consumers, he felt these would be outweighed by negative effects.

What do you think about the decision? Share your thoughts in the comments.