A former garden centre in Formby could become home to a new multi-million pound Aldi store after plans were revealed.
The discount supermarket wants to open the store at Moss Side in east Formby and is launching a consultation with local residents to get their views before submitting an application to Sefton Council.
According to a webpage providing more details of the plans, one of the issues the supermarket chain is looking to get views on relates to the site being part of Sefton’s greenbelt.
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Although the site itself is brownfield and currently being used to house scrap cars with existing planning consent for residential development, the retailer said that “recognising that Green Belt development is a sensitive issue, Aldi wants to understand the views of the local community before it submits any planning application to Sefton Council.”
Aldi’s regional property director Bryn Richards said the store could bring 40 new jobs into the area and provide access to discount food that could help local residents during the cost of living crisis as he encouraged local residents to attend a public consultation into the plans to give their views.
Mr Richards said: “We are aware that Formby does not currently have a discount food store and have been looking to invest here for some time.
“We have identified a suitable site, but before we decide whether to invest here and progress a planning application, we need to understand if there is public support and local demand for our plans.
“I’d encourage people to visit our exhibition, view the plans online and let us know their views.
“With the current cost of living crisis, Aldi believes it has an essential role to play in providing access to high-quality products at affordable prices.
“The plans represent a multi-million-pound investment that would create around 40 well-paid jobs and provide Formby residents with local access to a discount food store.
“If supported by the local community, Aldi will look to progress a planning application to Sefton Council in the coming months.”
A public exhibition, displaying Aldi’s vision for the site will be on display at Formby Methodist Church on Elbow Lane on January 17 between 3pm and 7pm.
People can also view the plans online at aldiconsultation.co.uk/Formby where an online feedback form is also available.
Depending on the result of the consultation, Aldi will then make a decision whether to move forward with the proposals.
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