PLANS to redevelop part of a Hailsham retail park to make way for an Aldi Superstore were in the spotlight this evening (Tuesday).
The Town Council’s Planning Committee looked at the plans which have been submitted to Wealden District Council.
If approved, the Argos store on Diplocks Way would be closed and the part of the neighbouring Sussex Beds store would be taken over by the retail giant.
The plans will also make use of the derelict land located next to the car wash, which is currently owned by Costa, to create an additional 51 parking spaces.
Concerns were raised about the lack of provisions to allow residents without cars to use the store. It was made clear that the Council would like to see pedestrian crossings on Diplocks Way, with the addition of cycle paths nearby and measures to improve the road surface and access on Diplocks Way.
Councillor Karen Nicholls said at the meeting: “We welcome anything locally which creates employment and opportunities, but we’d like to make sure shoppers can easily get around without the use of cars.”
Hailsham Town Council has not objected to the plans and its comments will be put forward as Consultees when the plans are discussed by Wealden District Council.
Comments can be made by searching for application WD/2023/1656/F on the Wealden Planning Portal online.
