Budget supermarket Aldi has been given permission to build a new store in Balsall Common. 

It has been a long wait for the supermarket to get the green light from Solihull Council having originally applied for planning permission in 2021. 

The chain applied for the demolition of the existing vacant former service station building on the former Edwins Autos site, to the north of Balsall Common, and construction of the supermarket with associated access and landscaping.

The application features plans for 93 car parking spaces and a cycle shelter providing parking for 16 bikes.

The chain carried out its own consultation with the public and, of the 356 who responded, 80 per cent supported it. 

Meanwhile 152 letters of support were submitted to the council with two letters of objection. 

Residents told the authority they were supportive due to the 40 new jobs Aldi was promising to create; the growing village needed more affordable shopping facilities and it was “ideally situated” for a location described as a “total eyesore”. 

Those against it said it was harmful to the green belt which most of the site is on. 

But council officers in the documents prepared for the planning committee wrote: “Having considered the totality of the benefits of the proposed development against the totality of its harms, the benefits do clearly outweigh the extent of harms. 

“The very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposal do exist.”

The current application site (image via Google Maps)

The application went before the committee’s latest meeting. 

During the public speaking section Mr Hardy from the planning agent, said: “Aldi has been seeking representation in Balsall Common for some years so it can deliver a modern food store that can meet the needs of the local community without them having to travel some distance.

“My client is delighted with the (officers’) recommendation to approve.”

Mr Pearce, speaking on behalf of the Heart of England Co-Operative Society, said: “The Co-op has been operating from their store in the centre of Balsall Common for a number of years.

“Our key concern is the site is located in the green belt. 

“We do not consider the benefits clearly outweigh the harm to the green belt and we ask you refuse permission.”

Bob Grinsell, chairman of the planning committee, said: “I lived in Kenilworth Road, I haven’t lived there for over 50 years. 

“I still remember the car lot – the way I would describe it rather than a garage.

“It was an eyesore, it is still an eyesore today.

“I think it is an outstanding design. I think this fulfils very special circumstances (in relation to the green belt).    

“I don’t consider this true green belt because it has been built on before. 

“It is effectively redundant, it is not good for agriculture. It blots the visual aspects.”

Councillor Dave Pinwell said: “The government has launched this thing called ‘grey belt’. 

“We as a committee are going to have to learn what greybelt will be. I have a feeling that the site in question is bang to rights as a bit of grey belt. 

“It is an eyesore – I’m enthusiastic about a substantive development on the site far more attractive and useful for the community.”

When the vote was taken councillors voted unanimously in favour.