ALDI is looking to build a new supermarket next to a controversial roundabout and accident blackspot.
Bosses at the budget German supermarket have unveiled plans to build the new supermarket in Canford Bottom, on the edge of the controversial ‘hamburger roundabout’.
No formal plans have been submitted by the business, but it has launched a public consultation for residents to have their say.
Up to 40 new full and part time jobs could be created from the £7m investment in the new supermarket, according to Aldi.
If Aldi goes ahead with the plans and gets full approval from Dorset Council, the supermarket would be built on the site used by Ellford Accident Repair Centre.
But shop manager Martyn Bourne said it won’t be a problem as his business will be moving to a new location behind the existing shop at unit 32 this summer.
He said: “It will be business as usual for us when we move. It should be finished and all of us moved by the end of June.”
Cllr Clare Davison, chair of the parish council for Colehill, said the proposals will be on the council’s agenda when it meets next week.
She said: “Plainly, there are views being shared on this, but at the moment they are mixed.”
Read more: Aldi submits plans to build new Bournemouth supermarket
Aldi said the planning application will be submitted to Dorset Council “in the coming months” but right now is “keen to receive your feedback”.
A spokesman added: “A new store will improve access to high quality, affordable food – helping to tackle the rising cost of living, while reducing the need to travel to supermarkets further afield.
“We are aware that there is a lack of discount supermarket options for residents in Canford Bottom, Wimborne and the surrounding areas.
“The proposal would provide an attractive, modern food store in an accessible location, improving customer choice and enhancing customer service.”
Canford Bottom’s controversial roundabout opened in 2012 with the aim to cut journey times by almost five minutes from the old layout.
However since then the £9m roundabout that sees the A31 cut straight through and 70 sets of CCTV-controlled traffic lights regularly sees crashes.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 hereComments are closed on this article