A supermarket’s relocation has been praised for improving a site described as “an absolute dump”.
Aldi will leave its existing store at Dragonville Retail Park and move into a newly-built, larger unit nearby.
The relocation is part of plans to build a new retail warehouse for three units on empty land at the retail site, near Durham City. Two ‘bulky goods’ stores will move into the other two units.
A Durham County Council planning committee approved the proposal on Wednesday.
Adrian Fox, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the new relocation will provide a better store for more customers to visit.
He told the meeting: “While the existing Aldi at Dragonville Retail Park is trading well, it does not provide a long-term, viable location for the operator. This store is highly constrained because of its size and fails to provide the full product range now expected by its customers.
“The application site provides the opportunity to deliver a much larger store and ensure that this key retailer maintains their presence within the district centre rather than having to relocate further afield due to a lack of other opportunities.
“The proposals will retain and create a significant number of new jobs that will be available to residents. It represents a major direct and indirect investment in the local economy; a good news story for Durham.”
Around 100 jobs will be delivered as part of the scheme, which could eventually contribute £10 million to the local economy. A new access road will be created and the existing Home Bargains car park will be integrated to serve the new Aldi store.
Work to redevelop the site is due to start immediately after planning permission was granted.
Councillor Mark Wilkes said: “This site has been an absolute dump for as long as I can remember, so I’m glad that something is finally going to be done because it’s been a disgrace.”
