Aldi launches consultation for supermarket in Godsey Lane in Market Deeping

A new supermarket could be coming to town after a campaign led by councillors.

Aldi has launched a community consultation on plans for an Aldi-led town centre redevelopment project in Market Deeping.

The proposals would redevelop land off Godsey Lane in Market Deeping, with a new food store and two further retail units.

After the supermarket chain announced plans for a store in Stamford in 2020, which has now been built, Independent South Kesteven District Councillors Ashley Baxter and Virginia Moran felt that the new Aldi would be better suited in Market Deeping.

With Stamford having six supermarkets and Market Deeping only having one, the pair submitted a response to Aldi's consultation and contacted the chief executive explaining their frustration.

Coun Moran admitted that she 'saw red' when she read the news Stamford was to benefit from a new supermarket and not Market Deeping, and asked other residents to contact Aldi too.

The following week the chief executive met with the two Deepings councillors to hear their thoughts.

Aldi's plans were initially for a site on the edge of town, however a Godsey Lane plot has become available which the supermarket chain hopes to build on as part of an initiative to improve the town centre.

Coun Moran said she is 'over the moon' with the plans.

She added: "I'm so happy to have been able to make this happen.

"This is what I became a councillor for. Not politics, that's why I'm independent, but for all the bad things you have to put up with this is good.

"Aldi has been a great company to work with."

Coun Moran does not believe Market Deeping would have been considered had they not contacted Aldi directly.

Coun Baxter is 'delighted' that the supermarket chain has set its sights on the town.

He added: "The feedback from residents has mainly been positive. We put something on Facebook on Saturday and have had an overwhelming amount of likes.

"Obviously some people are asking specific questions about parts of it and it hasn't all been one-hundred per cent but there will always be people who don't like change.

"Most people welcome the return of a proper supermarket."

For Coun Baxter it is important that the supermarket is in the town centre rather than the outskirts.

The new store, if built, would have a net sales area of 1,315m2, with 138 car parking spaces which would be free for 90 minutes to facilitate linked trips to other businesses in the town.

Leader of South Kesteven District Council, Coun Kelham Cooke (Con), also spoke of his support of the plans.

He said: “I am pleased that Aldi has now started their consultation regarding the potential store in Market Deeping, I initially started a conversation with them when they discussed with me their plans in Stamford, and encouraged them to look at options in the Deepings.

"I met with Aldi and their team again a few weeks ago along with local members Coun Judy Stevens and Coun Bob Broughton at which they presented an early draft of their plans and discussed their ambitions for the site, so I am pleased that they have now moved forwards to consult with the wider public on their plans which if approved would transform and help support the regeneration of Market Deeping town centre.

"I encourage all local residents to engage fully with the consultation."

Aldi is inviting local residents to view the plans and provide their feedback via its virtual exhibition on the dedicated project website www.aldiconsultation.co.uk/marketdeeping/.

The consultation will run from today (April 4) until April 18.

Aldi’s regional property director, Richard Thompson, said: “We’ve been looking for opportunities to invest in Market Deeping, prompted by the local demand identified in 2020 through our consultation on the new store in Stamford.

"Suitable town centre locations like this are hard to come by and we have an opportunity to lead wider redevelopment of the site.

“A new store in this location will help to enhance the appearance and appeal of the town centre to shoppers, retaining spending and supporting linked trips to nearby businesses.

"Before we submit a planning application, we’re keen to hear what residents think to our plans.”

If approved, the proposal would create up to 40 new full and part-time jobs at the Aldi store.

As well as visiting the project website, people can also provide their feedback by contacting the project team on Freephone 0800 298 7040 or emailing feedback@consultation-online.co.uk.