PLANS for the proposed new Aldi store in Pocklington have been obtained by the Post.
The blueprints shows that the £4 million development could be opened by next year, and will bring 15 new jobs to the town and provide an additional 61 parking spaces.
The discount store would occupy the old North Wold Printers Ltd site on Robertso
n Close and the old Bonds garage site opposite.
The plans were available to view by appointment for local councillors, other leading figures and nearby residents at the Old Courthouse on George Street.
They are set to be unveiled to the public next week.
Speaking with the Post at the exhibition, Aldi's Simon Plumb said: "What attracted us here is that we have been interested in putting a store in Pocklington for some time, but no suitable sites have been put to us before now.
"The planning application will be submitted after a public exhibition because we want to take the feedback from local people.
"Should it be successful it's something we would look to be building next year, maybe in the summer. It gives people the opportunity to get the information directly and form their own opinions rather than rely on hear say or perception.
"It's important for people to come along and tell us what they think."
Mr Plumb said that the supermarket giant had been offered the land, despite plans in 2006 for a housing company to build sheltered accommodation for elderly folk.
Under the plans for the supermarket, all derelict buildings on the two sites will be demolished.
The "stylish contemporary" store would be built on the old North Wold Printers Ltd site and cover almost 3,000sq metres. This would include a number of disabled parking bays.
The remainder of the bays would be on the old Bonds site, which covers almost 1,500sq metres.
A new pedestrian crossing will be marked on the road between the two sites to ensure customers can cross safely.
Normal opening hours for Aldi stores are 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Aldi says the proposed store offer minimal disturbance to nearby properties, with a dedicated enclosed delivery ramp allowing deliveries to be transferred directly into the store with no external operations.
Mr Plumb said that by selling its own-brand products, the threat of competition for local independent traders is reduced, while Aldi carries a policy of no in-store services such as hot-food kiosks, lottery tickets or newspapers.
Pocklington councillor Graham Perry, who viewed the plans and spoke with the supermarket officials, said: "The proposals seem to be sensible and civilised and will bring some employment and there must be some benefit for the construction business to build the property. It seems to me that it might be the best use for the land."
