DISCOUNT supermarket Aldi is planning to open a store in Westhoughton – creating 40 jobs.

The store is considering putting in a planning application to Bolton Council to open the new supermarket in Bolton Road, Westhoughton, on the site of a former mill and current council car park.

If it gets the green light, 40 full and part time jobs will be created in the area.

The store is now seeking people’s views on the possible development.

A newsletter circulated locally invited people to have their say, saying the new store would 'offer improved consumer choice and increase competition locally' as well as increasing 'footfall' on Market Street.

The nearest Aldi store is around three miles away on Atherton Road, Wigan.

The store says it will aim to recruit staff, including managers locally, adding it will work with the local community to ensure that disturbance is kept to a minimum during the construction stage.

The newsletter states: “Aldi is keen to transform this underutilised site by introducing a contemporary, high quality development to the area.

“The new food store would provide a modern shopping environment, offering a quality design featuring high levels of glazing and render to give a crisp, clean look to the building.

“Aldi takes great pride in the quality and design of its stores, with landscaping schemes a key part of creating an attractive and welcoming environment.

“The landscaping within the site will aim to enhance the appearance of the area around the store with a mix of tree and shrub planting, and will provide an attractive setting for the store.”

Town councillor, David Wilkinson, said: “On planning grounds I would be amazed if the application is refused, it is a brownfield site and can be used for industrial, commercial or housing and given its planning history and planning legislation now. There is a now a consultation with local residents."

The proposed development will include two car parks. The existing council car park operated will be moved and accessed via Library Street. The existing council car park will be redeveloped as part of the Aldi store and provide 99 spaces, with access from Bolton Road.

Cllr Wilkinson said: "Are there too many supermarkets — that is for the public to decide."

He added: “There will be more jobs, we don’t have high unemployment, but there are still people who do not have jobs and people looking for part time jobs.”

To have your say visit www.howplanning.com/consultations