Unanimous approval for Lancaster Aldi
Almost 15 years after a rival supermarket was given consent to build a store off Scotforth Road, the discount retailer has secured its own permission.
Lancaster City Council voted unanimously on Monday to approve Aldi’s plans for a 19,800 sq ft store on site that had once been earmarked for a Booths.
In 2011, the high-end chain won approval for a 35,000 sq ft store on the site and planned to relocate there from a smaller store nearby but the plans were canned.
In 2021, Aldi acquired the 4.3-acre plot in Lawsons Bridge from Booths and drew up its own plans.
Following planning approval, Aldi aims to be on site in late spring 2026, with completion due in summer 2027.
Designs have been compiled by The Harris Partnership, a long-time collaborator with Aldi, with Avison Young advising on planning.
A spokesperson from Avison Young said: “The whole team has worked incredibly hard with the local authority to reach this point.
“We’re delighted with the committee’s decision and are now focused on the next steps towards getting the store open.”
The application can be viewed on Lancaster City Council’s planning portal using the reference number 21/00987/FUL.
