Eco-friendly Aldi set to move into town

5:32pm Friday 29th February 2008

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A NEW supermarket proposed in Ludlow could be the first Aldi store in the country to have an eco-friendly roof covered with alpine plants.

Low maintenance and tailored to prevent water run off, the planted roof would change colour throughout year, retain heat, act as a stepping stone for wildlife and absorb pollutants.

Aldi property director Richard Labbett said: "It will be the first roof of its kind we have done. We are very excited at the prospect of promoting this kind of eco-friendly approach at our newest store."

The discounted food retail outlet, with a floor area of 1,670 square metres, would employ around 15 people and have a multi-million pound turnover.

Plans have been lodged with South Shropshire District Council on the site of the Old Station Yard, Station Drive.

Aldi Stores Ltd, which has 300 stores in the UK, hopes to open their latest venture by Christmas, depending on the planning process.

Mr Labbett added: "We have been looking for a suitable site in Ludlow for 10 years and recently opened a successful venture in Leominster.

The store would be something Ludlow hasn't got, attract more shoppers and help keep trade local to the town."

Selling food and associated items, including electrical goods and running seasonal promotions, it would open seven days a week.

Across the road from Tesco, it would be the only other sizeable food retail outlet in Ludlow, apart from Somerfield higher up in the town.

Also included in the plan is a lorry-loading bay and car parking.

A separate planning application has been lodged on an adjoining site at the Stables, Station Yard, by Lloyds of Ludlow Ltd for a change of use for the Victorian building from storage buildings to a restaurant with servery, food preparation room and toilets.

Graeme Kidd, of Ludlow Chamber of Commerce, said: "It is early days but better a new store of this size in the town than on the outskirts. It will be interesting to see if Aldi supports local producers and the local economy."

He added: "This sheds extra light on how important it is to get the proposed town centre enhancement scheme right with the prospect of two large retailers at the bottom end of the town."