REACTION: ‘Disappointed’ Aldi considering options after council blocks new store in Dudbridge

On Tuesday the planning committee voted to refuse permission for the store on the Bath Road Trading Estate over fears the supermarket would harm trade in town centres, displace businesses and cause traffic problems.

Elected councillors went against their own officers’ advice and narrowly voted by six to four to block the application.

Bosses at the budget supermarket said they were “disappointed” at the decision and that they were now considering the best course of action.

A spokesperson confirmed: “We are very disappointed with yesterday’s decision and know many local people are too.

“We are now considering our options.”

Aldi’s ‘disappointment’ was clearly reflected in the community, with hundreds of people taking to social media to criticise the council’s decision.

Juliet Segelov said: “Yet again Stroud council looking after their own instead of the good for the town and what the people who vote them in want, disgusting.”

Caron Hadland commented: “I thought it would be ideal for those locally and those on a low income. Wrong decision.”

Pamela Miri added: “Very poor decision. Starbucks pulled out as no other high profile retailers are going into Stroud.

“Unless one of these retailers moves into Stroud then no others will follow. Shops will continue to close sadly.

“Aldi would have kick started some regeneration and encouraged others. Non independent retailers in Stroud will only transform footfall and trade for all.”

Jerry Marsden said: “Aldi are way better than the rest cost wise and product wise. Stroud councillors got it wrong yet again not listening to what people want and need.”

Margaret Ormonde commented: “Big mistake. We will find Aldi out of the area. Would have kept many more shoppers to have one here.”

Debbie Hicks, Labour county council candidate for Stroud Central, said: “This was the wrong decision.

“Because of savage and cruel benefits sanctions and cuts, we are hearing increasing reports of families who are living without food, heating and are struggling to live.

“I know from a period not long ago when I had to live on the edge due to debt, how important it is to have low cost supermarkets. Not everyone can afford Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Tesco.”

Claire Beavis said: “Once again the council have not taken the public in to account in their decision. I bet they would say yes to another restaurant, take away or coffee shop in the centre.”

Others have called for the German giant to appeal the decision.

Adrian Wakefield said: “No point living in Stroud. No vision. Backward thinking. I hope Aldi appeal the decision.”

Tracey Evans said: “I wanted it to come to Stroud, I hope they appeal. If they do we should all go to the meeting this time and show them what we want.”

However, many others defended the councillor’s decision, saying it was taken to protect the town centres in Stroud, Nailsworth and Stonehouse.

They argued the Aldi application would have saturated Stroud with another supermarket, forced out existing businesses on site, fly in the face of the council’s own local plan and cause serious problems for traffic along an already busy Bath Road.

Stroud town Mayor Kevin Cranston said: “I don't know anyone who wants an Aldi or indeed any more supermarkets.

“There are at least six in Stroud, Stonehouse and Nailsworth and they cater for all price ranges.

“Surely that is enough for anyone. I don't think many of the town centre traders wanted another supermarket of any sort either.”

Ross Millward said: “Good. Way too many supermarkets for a small town. Focus on the town centre regeneration.”

Anna Katherine said: “Would love an Aldi, Lidl or the likes to come to Stroud but not on that site.

“That site is the home to many skilled workers, lots of employees and local businesses.

“These businesses have a knock on impact on the local economy and employment. Many would have been turfed out with minimal notice and limited choice of where to relocate, if of course they could sustain that.

“There are plenty of other sites, in and around Stroud, some of which have been empty for years. We need SDC, Aldi/Lidl to sort it out and push through for a more suitable site.”

Matt Smart said: “It was completely the wrong site for a new Aldi in Stroud, skilled jobs lost to be replaced with unskilled jobs.

“The Ryeford site near Stanley Mill would be perfect, except the traders in Stonehouse will then be up in arms.

“Maybe a town centre Aldi is possible? Merrywalks or current Poundland store?”

Andy Reeley said: “I drive to Stroud to shop. I do not want to shop at Aldi or Lidl thank you.

“I consider that there are already enough choices without adding another.”