Braintree Aldi plans still up in the air nearly five years on

An application for the proposed store on land off Millennium Way was submitted to Braintree Council back in July 2019.

But since then, plans have not progressed. 

Aldi had previously said it was on track to invest more than £5million in new and upgraded stores across Essex in 2022 - including the one in Braintree. 

However, the future of the plans and the site are still up in the air, as it approaches five years since they were first submitted.

When asked by the Times for an update, a spokesman for Braintree Council said: “We are in ongoing discussions with the agent for the planning application to understand the future plans on the site."

The proposed Aldi store off Millennium Way in Braintree (Image: N/A)

Views on the possibility of the new Aldi have been mixed, with both support and objection comments made on the application.

One supporter said: “With the amount of homes being built in the district people need more choice and this application would help that.

“Also, more employment in the district is always a good thing.”

Another added: “I think it will be a great asset for Braintree, would be wonderful to have an affordable option to shop at.”

An objector raised concerns over the plans causing “heavy congestion” in the area, as well as “adding to pollution”.

The proposals were already handed a major boost with Highways England giving it the all-clear in November 2020, followed by Essex Highways in January 2021.

However, fellow supermarkets objected to the plans.

Despite not having a store in Braintree, Asda objected saying the car park will not be big enough to serve the new Aldi and could lead to excessive traffic in the area.

However, this was dismissed by Essex Highways. 

Tesco, which has three superstores and an express shop in the area, also raised concerns over the proposals and said it would object.

Aldi was contacted for comment but did not respond.

Braintree Council will have the final say on the application.