An eagerly-anticipated new supermarket has been given the green light for a former industrial site in a North Staffordshire town.

Discount retailer Aldi is set to create up to 40 new jobs with the opening of the Cheadle store.

On Thursday (March 8) members of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's planning committee unanimously approved the application to demolish existing buildings on the Brookhouse Way site to make way for the new store. The vacant site was previously occupied by Industrial Agricultural Engineering, which has relocated to a new site outside the district.

The council received 21 letters supporting the proposals. There were also two objections submitted, which raised concerns including noise and increase in traffic.

Discount retailer Aldi is set to create up to 40 new jobs with the opening of the Cheadle store

Cheadle Town Council welcomed the proposal and the benefits it would bring to the area. Councillor Stephen Ellis, who spoke in support of the application at Thursday's meeting, said: "Aldi came to the town council ahead of submitting the application and it is something that has been subject to a lot of debate in Cheadle – mostly about when Aldi is coming.

"I'm really pleased to see the application coming before members today. We haven't seen a new supermarket in Cheadle for a long time."

Rebecca Dias, who also spoke in support of the application, said: "Many local people already travel to visit their nearest store in Meir. If this store is approved it will improve accessibility.

"A new Aldi will bring significant benefits to the community, including up to 40 new jobs. With the rising cost of living, the need for a new Aldi has never been greater and it will provide choice."

Cheadle district and town councillor Gary Bentley thanked Aldi representatives for consulting with the town council. He also called for improvements to bus services serving the town to help residents travel to the new store.

Committee member Paul Roberts said: "It's great to see Aldi is going to come to Cheadle at last. But I don't think you can hold Aldi to ransom over a bus service."

The new development will provide 134 car parking spaces, including six accessiblity spaces and four electric vehicle charging bays, as well as cycle parking. The store is set to be open 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

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