The discount retailer Aldi has applied for planning permission to build a petrol filling station (PFS) and a store at a site in Horncastle, in Lincolnshire, but has told local press it will not be running the fuel site.
The supermarket group has petrol stations at some of its retail sites in Austria and Germany, which in line with the rest of its business are known for their low prices, but does not have any in the UK.
The retailer has submitted a “hydrid” planning application to East Lindsey District Council seeking detailed consent for a retail food store and outline permission for a PFS.
On a website supporting the application the retailer said the proposals include an outline application to re-establish the former petrol filling station on the site. It adds: “At this moment in time, it is only permission for the access into the petrol station that will be sought.”
However, a design statement supporting the planning application describes it as an outline application for a “PFS/service station with associated access, car parking, servicing and landscaping”, while a release sent to local press goes into greater detail.
It said: “One concern that has been raised is the potential for competition between the new service station and the existing Laurels Service Station on Spilsby Road. However, Laurels Group will operate both sites, and say: ‘We welcome Aldi to Spilsby Road, and are working with a national operator to redevelop the former GL Clarke’s site into a modern fuel filling station, incorporating Shell Recharge rapid electric vehicle charging which is currently unavailable in a 20-mile radius.’
“The proposals for the service station are at an early stage but the operators are working on incorporating the latest technologies to ensure that consideration is given to the environment. These will include rainwater harvesting for the car wash, use of biodegradable chemicals and both the petrol pumps and car wash will be contactless. Additional facilities will also include toilets, indoor and outdoor seating with phone charging points and concessions.”
The planning application has been submitted by Aldi, but the owners/tenants of the site are listed as Laurels Group, a local resident and the executors of a second local resident.
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