Untitled - Fairmilehead Community Council

BACKGROUND
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THE PROPOSAL
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BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSAL
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME
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FEEDBACK FORM RESULTS
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FEEDBACK AND FURTHER ACTIONS ARISING FROM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
PROGRAMME
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CONCLUSIONS
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APPENDICES
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BACKGROUND
The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 sets out requirements for community engagement in
Major and National planning applications. It aims to ensure that communities are engaged in
shaping the future of their area.
While the application in question does not constitute a “major development” under the planning
legislation, Aldi Stores Limited appreciates the objectives of involving local communities in
development proposals at all stages and considers it good industry practice to undertake
consultation. The intention is for this Community Engagement Report to reflect an open, honest
and fair dialogue between the applicant, the local community and other stakeholders.
This report has been compiled by James Harbison & Company on behalf of the applicant.
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THE PROPOSAL
A new, modern food store for Oxgangs offering high quality products at award-winning prices,
improving the range and choice available at this location for the communities of Oxgangs,
Firrhill, Colinton and Fairmilehead.
An estimated 40,000 customers would shop at this Aldi store every month, boosting trade and
footfall for the neighbouring Broadway shops and businesses.
This would be Aldi’s third store within the city and the proposals will enhance and regenerate a
site that is surplus to requirements for both the City of Edinburgh Council and Church of
Scotland, whilst delivering significant new investment and 30 new jobs to the area.
BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSAL
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Investment – helping to rejuvenate this prominent, vacant site at the top of Oxgangs Road
North by building an attractive, single storey structure in keeping with the site’s elevated
location with generous, soft landscaping, car parking and new pedestrian accesses.
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Jobs – Creating up to 30 new jobs for local people (plus construction jobs).
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Greater Choice – Bringing the award-winning Aldi brand – voted Which? Best Supermarket
2013 – providing choice and diversity in food shopping provision for people living in this part
of South Edinburgh.
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Sustainability – Providing a local store thereby reducing travel to locations elsewhere in the
city. The new store will also help to boost trade and drive footfall into the neighbouring
Broadway Local Centre.
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Aldi owns the site and, subject to planning, intends to implement these plans without further
undue delay.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME
The applicants have consulted widely with the general public, local residents, businesses and
stakeholders who have an interest in the proposal.
The proposed consultation was also discussed at a meeting convened with Firrhill Community
Council and the three Colinton/Fairmilehead ward councillors since the applicant was keen to
seek their advice in regard to consultation venue and timing.
The project team identified the following groups as interested parties:
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The general public - local residents, local businesses
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Broadway Local Centre shops and businesses
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Oxgangs Library
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Stakeholders –
City of Edinburgh Council:
Planning Official
Kevin Ryan, Principal Practitioner
Colinton/Fairmilehead Ward:
Cllr Elaine Aitken CON
Cllr Jason Rust CON
Cllr Richard Lewis SNP
Neighbourhood Partnership:
Pentlands
Cllr Jason Rust
Mike Avery
Christine Doherty
Scottish Parliament
Constituency MSP
Edinburgh Pentlands
List MSPs
Lothian
Westminster
Constituency MP
Edinburgh South West
Community Council
Firrhill Community Council
Local Businesses:
Convener
Neighbourhood Manager
Partnership & Information
Manager
Gordon MacDonald SNP
Sarah Boyack LAB
Gavin Brown CON
Kezia Dugdale LAB
Neil Findlay LAB
Alison Johnstone GR
Margo MacDonald IND
Cameron Buchanan CON
Alistair Darling LAB
Heather Levy
Pauline Podd
Peggy Wright
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Broadway Local Centre
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Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
David Birrell
Alex MacLeod
Chief Executive
President
Jobcentre Plus
Wester Hailes
Community Police
PC David Crawford
Media
Edinburgh Evening News
Scotsman
Radio Forth
The consultation undertaken to date has included:
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Briefing to Firrhill Community Council on 18 March 2014 at Lochan View Business
Centre. The three Colinton/Fairmilehead ward councillors were also present.
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Business briefing to a preview of the public exhibition for Broadway Shopping Centre
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traders on Friday 11 April between 9am and 10am at St John’s Colinton Mains Parish
Church. Invitation letters were hand delivered to all businesses.
The event was well attended by the majority of businesses with the key discussion
points being:
The range of goods and
The standard Aldi range consists of 1,400 lines
services which Aldi offers.
compared to the 25,000-30,000 lines in a big 4
superstore. The Aldi range will consist of 95%+
own brand since the company prefers to offer its
own labels, only providing leading brand names
where own labels cannot be sourced. Unlike
supermarkets, there are no concessions or
ancilliary products and services offered such as
post office, pharmacy or products typically sold at
newsagents’ counters.
Linkage and
A new pedestrian link to the Broadway Centre will
visibility/connectivity
enhance accessibility in the immediate area by
between Broadway
the provision of stepped and ramp access as well
Parade and Aldi – could
as improve general appearance. Car parking for
Aldi customers do linked
87 cars, including 12 dedicated library spaces, will
trips?
encourage linked trips to other businesses.
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The majority of those who attended or responded supported the proposals since they
recognise the advantages of the significant customer footfall the Aldi store would bring
to their businesses such as hairdressers, post office, pharmacy and bookmakers. For
example the landlord for both Taylor Pharmacy and Oxgangs Post Office stated “I
completely agree that this will add to our parade of shops.” A letter received from Coral
Bookmakers (see appendix) stated, “Coral has traded at the Oxgangs Broadway for a
number of years and are therefore an established business within the local community.
We recognise the benefit of introducing an additional retailer of Aldi’s stature to the area
and the additional footfall this will generate for the Broadway Parade and specifically
our business …….
These are positives that could make a significant difference to Oxgangs.”
There was only one business in the Parade which stated it was not supportive.
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Public Exhibition:
St John’s Colinton Mains Church
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Friday 11 April, 10am – 12.30pm
Oxgangs Library
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Friday 11 April, 1.30pm – 4.30pm
At the suggestion of Firrhill Community Council, Aldi agreed to add a second venue for
the public consultation - St John’s Colinton Mains Church – in addition to the planned
library event adjacent to the site.
6000 leaflets were delivered throughout the local area with details of these events.
Posters were distributed to the venues, local businesses and community noticeboards.
Banners were displayed at both exhibition locations promoting the events. Editorial
coverage giving exhibition details appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News. On the day
of the event A1 swing boards were placed outside the venues promoting the event and
opening hours.
By request of Firrhill Community Council, an electronic version of exhibition materials
was made available for posting on the community council website.
Both exhibitions were well attended and it is estimated approximately 400 people visited
the exhibition and 345 leaflets with feedback forms were issued over the course of the
day.
The exhibition was staffed by senior members of the Aldi executive team and the
project team including transport and planning consultants to ensure that all questions
could be answered directly or respondents’ details taken for subsequent follow-up.
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The exhibition included details of the proposal, architect’s drawings and computer
generated images of the proposal in situ and a location/site plan to enable members of
the public to identify the site and show the proposed plans in context. Information on
the Aldi brand was also provided for those unfamiliar with the discount retailer, then
named Which? Best Supermarket 2013.
An information leaflet which reflected the exhibition boards and included a feedback
form with freepost facility was available at the exhibition. Contact addresses, telephone
and email details for the project team were publicised on the information leaflet.
To date 127 feedback forms have been returned. 75% of respondents are supportive of
these plans with a further 8% being neutral and 17% unsupportive. A complete
summary of individual comments can be seen in Appendix 7.
Respondents were also asked for their views on the most positive aspects of the
proposal, the principal results (ranked in order of number of mentions) indicate
significant support for –
1. Aldi coming to Oxgangs
2. The employment that this development would bring
3. Regeneration of the site
4. Add to mix of retail shops and increased footfall in the local area
5. Design of the new store
A small number of emails were received from people who were unable to attend the
public exhibition and these have been responded to by the team.
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FEEDBACK FORM RESULTS
No. of mentions
From left to right
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No. of mentions
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FEEDBACK AND FURTHER ACTIONS ARISING FROM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
PROGRAMME
The considerable majority (75%) of those attending these consultations supported the
proposals. A further 8% remained neutral and 17% were unsupportive.
These consultations also confirmed that the overwhelming majority of local shoppers welcome
Aldi’s proposals, the employment the proposals would bring and the regeneration of this vacant
site.
There were a limited number of recurring questions asked at the exhibition and mentioned in
feedback forms. Aldi’s response is set out below.
ISSUE:
RESPONSE:
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Traffic volumes and general road
safety
The store is very well located in relation to
existing bus stops and the close proximity of
these on Oxgangs Road North, together with
the implementation of a staff Travel Plan will
reduce the reliance on private car travel. A
traffic impact assessment will accompany the
application and Aldi have been working closely
with the council highways officers. This traffic
impact assessment demonstrates that the
traffic associated with the Aldi store will have a
minimal impact on the operation of the
surrounding road network.
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Safe routes to school
A pedestrian path linking Oxgangs Road North
to Oxgangs Brae is incorporated in the
proposals. Aldi will also significantly improve
the ramped access between the library and
the Broadway Centre.
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Library car parking
The Aldi car park provides 12 spaces
dedicated for library patrons at a point closest
to the library entrance. These will be clearly
marked.
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Disabled access
By request, Aldi is proposing to provide an
access ramp to link Oxgangs Library to
Oxgangs Brae to replace the current ramped
access that will be removed. This will
significantly improve the current arrangement.
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Recycling facilities
The provision of a Recycle Point on Oxgangs
Brae adjacent to lay-by parking for servicing
access by CEC has been incorporated in the
design as requested by the Council Local
Neighbourhood Office.
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Litter
Aldi is happy to give reassurances from its
current store operations that littering is
monitored and dealt with daily by the
dedicated store caretaker.
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CONCLUSIONS
This document is submitted to demonstrate that the local community has been widely consulted
and their views taken into account and given due consideration.
Although a ‘Local’ Application – not requiring a formal public consultation - Aldi considers it
good practice to consult widely to give the local community the opportunity to express their
views on the proposal.
The consultation was well planned and publicised and the contact has been open and two-way.
The community has been given a number of opportunities to contribute to the process and take
an active part in developing the proposal. Feedback has been given and the community will be
kept informed about development of the plans.
These consultation events – for the general public, local shops and businesses and community
stakeholders including elected representatives– were all well attended and there was keen
interest in the proposals.
The overwhelming majority (75%) are in favour of the proposals. This support is expressed for
a number of reasons, principally bringing the Aldi brand to Oxgangs, employment and
regeneration of the site.
It should also be noted that the majority of Broadway shops and other local businesses who
have been consulted in this process are largely supportive since they see the store plans as
bringing additional footfall and creating opportunities for their own businesses by driving trade to
the area of the Broadway Centre.
Aldi has been happy to respond to issues arising from the consultation, mainly in relation to
road safety, pedestrian linkages and the provision of library car parking.
Aldi takes its social responsibilities seriously and prides itself in becoming a good neighbour
within the communities it serves. These responsibilities include the good housekeeping issues
that were raised by some respondents and Aldi was able to provide assurances on issues such
as landscape maintenance, litter picking and trolley collections which are an important function
of the dedicated in-store janitor.
Aldi remains committed to continue with the consultation process by having an on-going
dialogue with the local community but these findings already indicate that Aldi would be warmly
welcomed as an asset for local shoppers and provide a welcome boost to the local economy.
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APPENDICES
1. Business Preview Invitation
2. Flyer
3. Signage promoting public exhibition
4. Exhibition boards
5. Exhibition photographs
6. Exhibition leaflet and feedback form
7. Feedback comments
8. Letter from local business
9. Media coverage
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Appendix 1
Business Preview Invitation Letter
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Appendix 2
Flyer
A5 flyer delivered to 6000 local households
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Appendix 3
Public Exhibition Poster and Banner
Banner at church venue
Banner at site
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A3 poster
Exterior signage on day of public exhibition – library
Exterior signage on day of public exhibition - church
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Appendix 4
Exhibition Boards
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Appendix 5
Public Exhibition
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Friday 11 April 2014
Church Hall
Library
Library
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Appendix 6
Exhibition Leaflet and Feedback Form
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Appendix 7
Feedback Comments
Any other comments you would wish to add?
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We are generally impressed by the quality of ALDI products
I think that it would be beneficial to the region, ie. Buckstone, Fairmilehead, Oxgangs,
Colinton, Colinton Village and Craiglockhart would gain a great supermarket to the three
already in existence
Don't do a traditional weekly shop - more a day to day basis. Monthly/Bi monthly /bulk
shop at Costco Loanhead
A store in this area would be much more convenient and help break the hold of Tesco and
Morrisons
I think having an Aldi in Oxgangs will be great
Have started to use Aldi at Gorgie Road about once a month
It be great
Cannot always manage to Livingston so shop at Tesco but prefer Aldi
Experienced my first Aldi shop a few weeks ago (Gorgie) and thought the prices and
quality were good
Shopped in Aldi's once and thought it was good and look forward having one near me. I
would be interested in working in the store.
Hope it all happens soon
I work and am a carer in Oxgangs area so very pleased to have an Aldi, saves me going
to Dalry
Don’t take too long
Feel more reassured after speaking with the representatives
This is an opportunity to significantly beautify this area which currently suffers from litter
blight. Aldi please note and please do all possible to help the area improve its sad track
record in litter.
I am not convinced that Oxgangs need another grocery shop
Totally supportive!! Would shop at Aldi as much as possible!
My main concern is traffic associated with development. It can be difficult enough now
with current level of traffic - if this increases with a new store the potential is for total
gridlock - does not endear itself to residents!!!
The sooner you come the better! And thanks for disabled parking at the door. So many
retail outlets ignore our needs.
Think it is important that there is competition for the bigger supermarkets
The sooner the better
Concerns over amount of traffic along Redford Road and Oxgangs Road North. Can be
very difficult to get out of Redford Road.
More competition is always welcome
Concerned about volume of traffic on narrow streets
Add to community
All retail stores locally try to benefit shoppers
Would like the store to be bigger and make use of the elevated site by having more
parking underneath
Looking forward to new store!
(Personally) we enjoy value for money and supporting local Scottish producers
I think would be good idea for Aldi to be near local
Aldi should cater more for gluten free
Local housing doesn't go to local people. I have personally had to private rent just to live
near my family. Please can you inform me when vacancies occur.
I think a bit of healthy competition is a good thing for shoppers. I will shop in this store.
Conditional on an effective traffic management scheme for entering/leaving the site
I wish we had an Aldi in Currie, ex Currie Hill School site, go for it
Can't wait for Aldi
Sufficient parking spaces for the library must be maintained
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Please - quick as possible
Occasionally shop at Aldi (Gorgie) or Aldi (Musselburgh) - very impressed with prices and
quality
Will be good to be more eco friendly
I have been an enthusiastic ever since I heard there was a possibility of Aldi coming to my
vicinity
The design is horrible. The building proposal seems low quality structure with pre-built
materials, a very ugly block structure in the middle of the road
Need to control additional packaging rubbish generated. Need to manage recycling bins
well
Disappointed in the City and Church of Scotland not going for sheltered housing. Worried
about effect on local convenience store. Not confident library parking (important to old
folk) will actually be assured. What arrangement will be made for library parking during
construction? Important not to lose this.
Concern over traffic impact to junction of Oxgangs Farm Avenue opposite. Traffic lights
may be required.
Concerns over stop and search policy and the impact on traffic and parking spilling into
local streets
My main concern is traffic management. It is difficult to turn right from Redford Road so
this would need to be considered as well as entrance to store.
What is your commitment in keeping the area tidy?
Too far for 1-2 items only
Concerned about how this store may affect the Coop Scotmid nearby
A new store here would increase traffic congestion on a busy main road
Traffic increase and close to junction which is already problematic going to Redford
Barracks
Already 3 major stores and 1 small store within walking distance if needed
Enough supermarkets in area already. Don't need another and particularly a German one.
I am strongly against this proposal. The community doesn't need another supermarket.
Premier do a lot for the community and we need to be supporting that.
I feel we are well served with supermarkets in area and feel the small local will suffer
This area already has an over provision of supermarket type stores. Tescos took trade
from Safeway and the Coop. If this goes ahead local shops will be put out of business.
We already have 2 large supermarkets nearby. Another one would (a) increase traffic on
Oxgangs Road North and (b) affect adversely the small convenience store(s) at Oxgangs
Very concerned about traffic congestion access. Cherry trees on church site and church
bell both very important to St John's members.
We don't need another supermarket in the area. Morrisons, Premier, Coop, Tesco. Traffic
already a problem on this side of the road, this will cause more problems.
Unnecessary addition to neighbourhood. Will impact small businesses negatively.
The store would ruin the little shops, the jobs would be gone once it was built and it would
look extremely ugly. Please don't build it.
I think there are enough supermarkets in Oxgangs
Concerned about increased traffic.
I believe that this site was earmarked for housing. There is a much more pressing need for
affordable housing here than yet another supermarket
Why no mention of the architectural firm? At least we have been given a chance to
comment!
My wife and I living on Oxgangs Brae are looking forward to the new store. It will only be a
2 minute walk and as pensioners look forward to more competitive prices.
Redford Road/Oxgangs junction is overloaded so will require traffic lights with even a
small increase in traffic
It would be preferable if the site were used for housing. The proposed building for Aldi
would not enhance the amenity of the area.
1. Very concerned about extra traffic/exit from Oxgangs Farm Avenue. 1. Articulated
lorries coming and going. 3. Entrance/exit same as library. 4. Loss of green space. 5.
Impact on other local shops/stores. 6. Loss of existing footpath.
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Sincerely hope this proposal goes ahead and that minimum disruption takes place if so!
Really looking forward to a more local Aldi as on occasions shop at other stores.
Loss of potential green space - closure of local shops - increased traffic - danger to school
kids. Loss of visual amenity - loss of local jobs.
Coming out of Redford Road to Oxgangs Road might prove difficult unless there was a
mini roundabout or traffic lights at the junction.
Competitive prices
Favourable prices of food would help my limited budget go further
Not really had a good view of it as couldn't be there today Friday. It's local.
Access to quality affordable produce within walking distance for high percentage of OAPs
in area
Cheaper prices, more choice
Food etc. and good quality ones at that - at reasonable prices. Great competition to
overprices Tesco. Putting Aldi here is a licence to print money so to speak.
Means carbon footprint reduced as it is nearer than going to Gorgie
Require more competition
Impressed that a single storey
Bringing quality and value for money shopping
Everything. Don't want more housing.
Delighted to hear your plans and hope for a positive completion asap!!
(Nothing positive above) Also creating major traffic problems.
There does not appear to be any benefit for the area - I do not believe any of the above.
None - I'm not in favour. A world of consumerism over community is a sad world.
(would prefer a swimming pool) as promised 55 years ago
Nothing positive. Greatly concerned about increased traffic at Redford Road junction.
Very much against!! What is footfall? Another food outlet is not required (however good)
I see no positive aspects. The area is already well-served with supermarkets and smaller
shops.
None - there is no need for another food store in the area.
The area needs houses - not more supermarkets. The Premier shop will close in
consequence. It is useful as it delivers free in the local area.
Competition to Morrison's
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Appendix 8
Letter from Coral Bookmakers, Oxgangs Broadway
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Appendix 10
Media coverage
Edinburgh Evening News
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Thursday 10 April
Household Shopping Page
“Three new Aldi stores on the way”
Aldi is on the march in Edinburgh, which is good news for those who don’t find the current
existing store in Gorgie convenient.
With a new store in Gilmerton scheduled to open early next year, proposals for a new Oxgangs
store in the former council social work building and former St John’s Parish Church and, as the
Evening News discovered last week, property already acquired in Portobello, Aldi could
quadruple its Capital outlets in the next couple of years.
That would heat up the battle not just with the big four supermarkets, but with Lidl which already
has a major Lothians presence.
Of its 52 stores in Scotland, Gorgie is the only branch in the Capital meaning its current witty TV
advertising campaign is lost on viewers from other parts of Edinburgh. The city’s compact
nature and heritage makes getting planning permission for a store and car park particularly
challenging so the new stores are a major boost for the retailer as well as customers who want
to try the current Which? Best Supermarket 2013. Each new store employs up to 30 staff as
well as playing a part in the company’s apprentice and graduate schemes.
But for most of us it’s the good quality shopping at lower prices which Aldi and Lidl offer, which
make more stores welcome news. Of Aldi’s 1200 ‘core’ or middle range products, only around
five per cent are recognised brands. It promotes its support of Scottish producers and since it
has no in-store bakery, butcher, fishmonger, café or newsagent to sell cigarettes or lottery
tickets, it doesn’t compete with existing businesses in the area.
In Edinburgh, it is inevitable that Lidl has already done the spadework for Aldi in winning middleclass shoppers over to the discount or budget retailers. Both are also held partly responsible for
keeping food prices down and reining in bigger rivals.
Graham Nicolson, property director for Aldi in Scotland, said: “We believe our proposals will
help to rejuvenate this Oxgangs site with an attractive, single-storey structure with car parking,
generous soft landscaping and improved pedestrian access. We also believe the new store will
help boost trade and drive footfall into the neighbouring Broadway Local Centre.”
Public exhibitions of the Oxgangs proposals take place tomorrow at St John’s Colinton Mains
Church, 10am – 12.30pm and at Oxgangs Library, 1.30pm – 4.30pm
1 September 2014
____________________________________________________________________________________
JAMES HARBISON & COMPANY
One St Colme Street, Edinburgh EH3 6AA
T: 0131 220 8338 M: 07836 665236
E: jh@jamesharbison.co.uk
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