COUNCILLORS are being urged to support plans for a multi-million pound town centre supermarket.

Members of the planning committee at Durham County Council are to discuss a proposed development to bring Aldi to Stanley on Thursday, February 23.

If permission is granted, the new store will be created on the site of the former bus station and is expected to open next summer.

In a supporting application statement Aldi has said: “The development brings new investment into the area with the redevelopment of a brownfield site which will enhance the overall image of the area.

“The design and layout of the proposed development has been carefully considered to ensure it sits comfortably within the surrounding area and town centre context.

“There is strong local support for a new Aldi Neighbourhood Foodstore which has been demonstrated through the public consultation exercise with 99 per cent of respondents either supporting the proposals outright or with some minor comments.”

The former Co-op site, which was knocked down following a firebomb attack in 2008, will be used for additional car parking for the discount retailer’s customers.

The German chain has said the development will create up to 30 jobs in the town.

The council has received 247 representations, with 244 letters of full support, citing the economic and regeneration benefits of the scheme.

Three letters raised queries over other aspects of the proposal, such as parking, the volume of traffic it would generate and the impact on existing businesses in the town centre.

The Police Architectural Officer has highlighted the need for security measures that would reduce anti-social behaviour impacts on the new development, which is said to be a particular issue in immediate area of the new bus station.

Senior planning officer Graham Blakey has written a report for councillors advising them to back the scheme.

He said: “The proposed development on both plots would improve the appearance of two vacant town centre sites which would in overall terms enhance the character and appearance of the area.

“Concerns were expressed by a small number of residents in regard to some aspects of the development, albeit offering support in principle to the application, and were carefully balanced against the scheme’s wider social, economic and environmental benefits.”