PLANS to create up to 50 jobs by building a discount supermarket beside two Hampshire football clubs are likely to be approved this week.
Members of New Forest District Council are being recommended to support an application by Aldi, which wants to transform a site at Salisbury Road in Totton.
The scheme comprises a 1,890sqm food store and a large industrial unit on "under-used" land next to AFC Totton and Totton and Eling FC.
A report to councillors cites concerns about the risk of unauthorised parking on match days but adds: "Overall, the [proposed] development is positive.
"It will provide a further choice of supermarket to serve the community within Totton as well as the proposed housing developments within the local vicinity."
READ MORE: Support for proposed new Aldi store at Little Testwood Farm in Salisbury Road, Totton
Aldi's proposal has sparked three letters of support and only one of objection.
The report says: "The application is supported by a retail impact assessment which considers the impact of the proposed store on Totton town centre, Southampton city centre, and nearby centres.
"The council has no evidence to counter the conclusions of the assessment, namely that the impact on Totton town centre and other centres would not be significant."
As reported in the Daily Echo, hundreds of new houses are due to be built in the Calmore and Hillstreet areas.
The report says: "It is accepted that demand for food retailing in the town will grow in the medium term as land north of Totton delivers new homes in close proximity to the site."
Aldi estimates the proposed new store will create between 30 and 50 jobs.
"It is important to realise that the retail aspect of the scheme would bring employment opportunities to a currently under-used site in an urban area," says the report.
"The scheme would have economic, environmental and social benefits, preserving the character and appearance of the area. The amenity of local residents, including those residing at the adjoining caravan site can be preserved."
READ MORE: Eastleigh: Plans to build new Lidl store thrown out after neighbouring primary school objects
Plans to build a supermarket on the site, known as Little Testwood Farm, were unveiled in August last year.
Speaking at the time Aldi property director Lee McCandless said: "Our proposals represent an opportunity to build a new discount food store, improving local shopping choice for residents in Totton.
"The store would make use of a currently under-utilised site which has been earmarked for development."
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel