Long-awaited plans to open two new discount supermarkets in Balsall Common are now expected this summer.

Supermarket giant Aldi has applied for planning permission to build a new unit on the west side of Kenilworth Road, while competitor Lidl has applied to build its own store on the opposite side of the road.

Nub News reported last year, the two schemes - one of which will see a car garage demolished to make way - would not be determined until the new local plan is adopted.

This was despite the fact both applications were submitted to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) in December 2021.

While the long-winding process to adopt the local plan continues, Nub News has now been told by the council a decision on the applications "should be made in the summer of 2024".

SMBC did not say whether the decision would be made on delegated authority or by councillors in a committee meeting.

Lidl has applied to open a store on the opposite side of the road to Aldi (image via Lidl)

However, the projects are further complicated by how close the two proposed stores are to each other

SMBC planners have previously told both supermarkets to consider the impact of the other and create a "cumulative traffic assessment".

Aldi's application to SMBC said: "The scheme provides significant improvements to the street scene, maximizing the potential for the new local centre retail anchor store to function as an integral part of it.

"The scheme also recognizes the sensitive relationship with residential areas, through carefully conceived landscaping and boundary treatments; and pedestrian access routes into the site.

"The proposed development will strengthen the retail mix within Balsall Common, increase food store provision and help meet the retail needs of the resident local catchment area by enhancing consumer choice, in accordance with sustainability objectives.

"We believe the proposals represent a considered and sensitive response to the constraints of the site.

"The Aldi, 'deep discount' retail store provides an amenity to the local area, which is currently lacking, along with the creation of local jobs. Aldi looks forward to becoming a considerate neighbour and a valued part of the local community."

While Lidl's added: "This proposal will be constructed to a high quality with sensitivity to the local environment, employing contemporary and sustainable design and materials to create an attractive, high quality building which is appropriate to its surrounding built environment.

"The proposal utilises its locality to ensure good accessibility and promote sustainable transport methods."