National Highways (NH) has dealt another blow to Aldi's supermarket project, with the agency recommending that planning permission for the discount foodstore on Winchelsea Road in Rye not be granted until April 29 — and only then if "all concerns and requirements raised by National Highways are fully resolved."
The roads agency also said that its formal recommendation did not affect Rother District Council's ability to refuse the planning application or agree an extension of time beyond April 29. This represents a second significant delay to the planning application process.
Aldi and its two partners in the Winchelsea Road redevelopment project will have to redouble their efforts to persuade NH that their road access solution is workable and will not adversely affect traffic on the A259. If they fail, RDC may refuse the planning application in its present form. However, RDC is aware of the overwhelming public support for the proposed supermarket voiced by Rye residents.
National Highways explained that it is "concerned with proposals that have the potential to impact on the safe and efficient operation of the strategic road network ... particularly within the vicinity of the A259 near Rye. We require further information to be provided by the applicant on this application in order that an informed decision can be made...".
The battle, however, is far from over. Aldi remains a powerful, well-resourced player and it seems unlikely to give up without a fight. If Aldi loses, it will arguably be because of the constraints and difficulties in Rye's road configuration rather than any retail-related arguments advanced by local rival Jempson's.
Responding to the latest delay a spokesperson for Aldi told Rye News: "The project team are reviewing the latest comments from National Highways and will continue to liaise with Rother DC officers and technical consultees on this."
Meanwhile, the government has confirmed that its new planning and infrastructure legislation planned for spring will make it easier for new building development to occur. It is not known how, or even if, this legislation might affect Aldi's planning application for Rye.
