Discount supermarket chain Aldi is coming to Kew after Richmond Council approved plans for the retailer to take over the former Sports Direct unit at Kew Retail Park.

The decision allows Unit 1A at the retail park to change from a comparison goods store to a food store, clearing the way for Aldi to move in.

While a change of use would not normally require planning permission, the original consent for the retail park specifically restricted food retail, meaning council approval was needed.

No external alterations or building works are planned, with the application relating solely to how the unit will be used.

Only one objection was submitted, raising concerns about loss of amenity, noise and potential anti-social behaviour.

However, council planning officers said there was no evidence to suggest that introducing a food store would increase anti-social behaviour.

They added that measures such as restricted opening hours and signing up to the Women's Night Safety Charter could help mitigate any potential risks.

The change is expected to result in a small increase in deliveries, estimated at three to four per day, but officers said this would not lead to significant noise impacts for nearby residents.

A servicing and delivery plan will be secured through planning conditions, and any future installation of plant equipment or food preparation facilities would require separate approval.

Speaking to the planning committee on 21 January, Penny Moss, Director of Planning Team at Avison Young, confirmed that Aldi would occupy the unit if permission was granted.

She said: "This would complement the existing range of retailers on the retail park and encourage linked trips."

Moss also told councillors that the store would create around 40 new jobs.

Concerns were raised by councillors over the potential traffic impact.

Cllr Andrée Frieze questioned how the proposals, alongside separate but linked plans for Units 5–7, were considered acceptable given predictions of up to 37 additional vehicle trips during peak hours and 202 extra vehicles at weekends on the South Circular.

Moss responded that a cumulative traffic assessment had been submitted and reviewed by council officers and Transport for London, both of whom deemed the impact acceptable.

Cllr Jonathan Cardy said the plans made him "a little bit uncomfortable", warning that they could shift traffic away from an out-of-town supermarket with strong public transport links to a site served primarily by the R68 bus route.

However, Cllr Michael Butlin supported the proposal, saying it would give residents in West Twickenham and surrounding areas access to another discount supermarket.

Cllr Frieze added that while she remained concerned about traffic, she was otherwise indifferent to the change of use.

The application was approved with eight votes in favour, no refusals, and one abstention.

READ MORE: Petition calls for 7.5-tonne vehicle ban on The Terrace and Barnes High Street.

We want to provide Richmond with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.