A row has erupted over plans to open a new Aldi near Portwood roundabout in Stockport.

The discount chain could occupy a new 1,300 sqm store on the former Hope Mill site on Water Street, where there is a Tesco Extra nearby. But other supermarkets have complained to Stockport Council about the plan.

Tesco and Lidl have sent letters of objection, with the latter claiming a new store in the area could mean up to 350 two-way trips being made by cars to the location during peak hours.

A report submitted by Morbaine Limited – the company applying to develop the land – said people already drive to the area for shopping, so a new Aldi would not increase traffic substantially.

Plans to develop the land include creating a total of 113 car parking spaces at the site, as well as servicing areas and new landscaping.

Aldi wrote a letter in support for the plans, saying the location is ideal because it is 'more than adequate size' and is based next to a 'very popular and well used central Stockport food shopping destination'.

It also said its popularity as a supermarket has 'increased dramatically' over the past decade with shoppers 'becoming more price conscious.'

The site of the planned shop is based near the M60 as well as Stockport town centre, and could be accessible to large numbers of residents if the scheme is given the green light.

Stockport also has plans to build thousands more homes in the next few years, which would further increase the amount of people living around the town centre.

The decision on the proposed store rests with Stockport's planning committee which will decide the application at a town hall meeting on November 14.

A different planning application for a new Lidl on Wellington Road North has also caused controversy in the town recently.

The supermarket chain saw off a High Court judicial review from Tesco, which challenged Lidl and Stockport council over the availability of stores within the area.

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