The planning saga over a proposed supermarket in Poole has entered a new phase.

Aldi has been attempting to secure permission to build a new store in Alder Road, Branksome, since 2018.

The German discount retailer saw its first set of plans for the former Parrs Confectionary factory site turned down by councillors in November 2019.

A second scheme, submitted the following August, secured planning permission in September last year following a drawn-out process with the local authority.

However, the rival chain Asda submitted a legal challenge over how BCP Council’s planning committee came to the decision.

The High Court quashed the approval and the scheme went before the committee again earlier this year.

Despite letters of support from more than 400 residents outnumbering the 17 objections, the majority of councillors “reluctantly” moved to refuse planning permission at a meeting in April.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of Aldi's proposed shop in Alder Road, BranksomeCGI of Aldi's proposed shop in Alder Road, Branksome (Image: Aldi)

This was due to a “lack of evidence” to prove Aldi had marketed the derelict site, which is earmarked for care home use in the Poole Local Plan.

Then committee chair Cllr David Kelsey suggested that Aldi “go away, spend a couple of months doing marketing work and come back”.

Providing an update on the project, Aldi said it is still working to bring a new store to the site and it had started the process of marketing the site to provide the required evidence.

Lee McCandless, property director for Aldi, said: “Aldi is doing what it can to progress with a new store on Alder Road, Branksome.

“Following the frustrating outcome at April’s planning committee due to an unsuitable allocation in the local plan, Aldi has begun the process of marketing the site in line with the council’s wishes.

“We have been overwhelmed by the continued support we have received and will try to make sure the local community gets the high quality discount food store they clearly want and need.”

At the April committee meeting, Cllr Tony O’Neill said the application was like a “magic roundabout – it keeps coming back round to us”.

Cllr Bob Lawton added: “I don’t see many care homes queueing up to use the site.

“In 10 years’ time, we could end up still with a derelict site.”

The site has disused since 2013 when The Tangerine Sugar Confectionery factory shut, with the loss of 75 full time jobs.