Aldi plans to open new superstore in Bingley

The old Lilycroft Mills site at Midland Hill is the latest venture for the German-owned Aldi chain which has 500 UK stores and aims to open 50 every year, despite tough economic times.

The proposed store near the railway station would also bring up to 25 jobs.

Statistics in the proposal include a breakdown of comments from people who went to consultation exercises or replied to feedback postcards sent to 3,016 homes and businesses in Bingley.

Of 516 responses, 488 were enthusiastically supportive (95 per cent), four were non-commital and eight objected.

Objections were made on the grounds of increased traffic into Bingley.

Bingley Chamber of Trade and Commerce chairman Howard Martin said there was real enthusiasm for the Aldi project throughout the town.

“We all really hope this goes ahead and it’s reassuring that Aldi seems to have such a strong commitment to Bingley,” he said.

“Even the possible arrival of Aldi has already been really positive for Bingley.

“A local businessmen said to me ‘Activity breeds activity’ and apparently there has already been increased interest in vacant shops in Bingley because of the Aldi effect.”

Mr Martin said the arrival of a discount food retailer would be good news for consumers. “Everyone is thankful for the Co-op being here, but with only one shop in the town the price charged is the price that has to be paid,” he said.

“Competition is obviously a good thing for shoppers.”

Councillor John Pennington (Con, Bingley) said: “I welcome Aldi. It’s a shop I use, as do a lot of new customers, because it offers good value for money.”

A spokesman for Aldi said: “We are excited about the prospect of bringing our products to Bingley as we are keen to offer the community a choice.

"We believe the proposed site offers a real opportunity to provide the community with a premium discount food store in the heart of the neighbourhood.”