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Aldi move slammed a mistake
MULTI-million pound plans for a long-awaited Aldi store in St Annes would be a "thorn in the side" of town hall bosses "for years to come" according to a Fylde heritage group.
Controversial plans to bulldoze the historic Porritt-style Conservative Club to make way for a 830-metre supermarket and 34 flats, are set to be approved by Fylde Council.
Planners believe the benefits "outweigh" the harm that could be caused to the area by the demolition.
The German retailer, which bought the building for 1m in early 2006, ended two years of speculation over the future of the Clifton Drive North site by submitting plans to the authority in February.
Marion Coupe, chairman of the Lytham St Annes Civic Society, said: "We don't agree with the demolition.
"St Annes is trying to claim classic resort status and the town has taken a huge amount of English Heritage money.
"They are now going to allow one of the most significant public buildings to be knocked down. This is one of those things that will be a thorn in the side of the council for years to come."
But businesses have backed the plans.
The development will include a new home for the Conservative Club and underground parking.
John Moxham, chairman of the chamber, said: "We have found Aldi very professional.
"They have worked very closely with us for the last two years and addressed any concerns we have had.
"What is planned will look a lot better than what is there now. Aldi are one of the leading supermarket chains in Europe."
Two separate applications, one for consent to demolish the Conservative Club and the adjacent St Anthony's House building, and a second to build the foodstore, apartments and car park, will go before councillors on Wednesday.
Mark Evans, head of planning at Fylde, said: "The demolition of St Anthony's House and its redevelopment with an appropriate scheme, outweighs the harm."
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Monday 13 February 2012
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