Aldi Coming Back To Walton on Thames

1 to 3 Bridge Street

From Carpetright to Aldi

Update December 6th

We have heard rumours that Aldi have re-considered this planning application.

We are happy to confirm that Aldi will be proceeding with their plans to move in to 1 – 3 Bridge Street, Walton on Thames.

 

February 2019

Hot on the heels of the news that Lidl will be opening a brand new store in Hersham in a few weeks comes this planning application for a much welcome return to Walton on Thames for Aldi!

Application Number 2019/0091

The application was received by Elmbridge Borough Council on the 11th of January 2019 and is open for comments until the 24th February 2019 with a target date for decision of the 15th of March 2019.

It is described non the Elmbridge Planning Portal as:

“External alterations on ground and first floors including new stairs to first floor, 2 passenger lifts to roof car park, new shop front glazing, refurbishment of existing canopies, alterations to windows/doors, raised platform, plant area, louvres, air-conditioning units at ground floor and re-configuration of roof car park.”

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The Aldi Planning Statement Executive Summary states:

“This planning application proposes the refurbishment of the existing Carpetright building in Walton-on-Thames to facilitate its occupation by a new ALDI foodstore.

The proposed use for the ground floor is as retail floorspace, and the first floor is proposed as a warehouse and welfare area. This is consistent with the unit’s previous layout.

The existing roof-top car park and public car park on the ground floor will be available to customers. The building will continue to be serviced in a similar way to the existing.

The principle of retail use is well established at the site, having accommodated a retail store for many years. The application proposes external alterations, including elevational treatments and shopfronts.

In addition, works include the internal reconfiguration of the building and reconfiguration of the roof-top car park.

Accordingly, the proposal is considered acceptable in design, amenity, highways, and retail policy terms.
The proposal will provide beneficial economic development, significantly enhancing the local shopping choice within Walton-on-Thames and the surrounding area.

The ALDI discount foodstore will create approximately 40 new local jobs.

Furthermore, the proposals will address the limited discount foodstore provision in the area, and assist in
retaining expenditure in the area and reducing the need to travel to towns outside of Walton-on-Thames.”

Aldi Proposed Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday:

Start Time: 08:00 End Time: 22:00

Sunday and Bank Holidays

Start Time: 10:00 End Time: 17:00

Some additional detail from the Architects Design and Access Statement:

“The existing building is on the cross-roads of the A3050 and High Street and Bridge Street, opposite the ‘The Heart Shopping Centre’, the mixed-use redevelopment of Walton’s town centre.

The building has a prominent facade along the main road and central junction, and is accessed by pedestrians
through the main doors on the corner. The main shopfront is on Bridge Street, under a cantilevered canopy which extends around the corner to cover the store entrance.”

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the conversion of the existing Carpetright building into a new Aldi foodstore, using the ground floor for retail space, the first floor for warehouse and welfare spaces. The existing roof top car park and public car park on the ground floor will be available to customers.

The building will continue to be serviced much in the same way to the existing.”

It looks as though the existing Elmbridge Borough Council parking charges will continue to apply:

“The roof level is a ‘Pay & Display’ car park run by Elmbridge Borough Council.

The proposals involve demolishing any superfluous structures on the roof and to sensitively add a further public vertical circulation shaft to the north-east corner of the building. This circulation core will include a trolley bay at roof level and two new passenger lifts, as well as an extended stair linking ground
to roof level.

The proposed number of parking bays at roof level will be 95, with 2 disabled bays provided for. The car park will be repaired and re-surfaced where necessary, and will be given new white lining throughout.

Provision for motorcycle parking is also included.”

This seems to be a fairly non-contentious proposal which has already gained a number of comments in favour and would represent a very welcome return to Walton on Thames for Aldi!

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