Aldi, the award-winning discount food retailer, has now submitted revised plans (application reference 23/02566/MAR) to deliver a new, state-of-the-art Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) south of Zander Way, Wixams.

Aldi’s proposals will see the site sustainably redeveloped as part of the Wixams Northern Expansion Area. The site benefits from an outline planning application for commercial and employment use, submitted in 2015 (ref. 15/00466/EIA). A detailed (reserved matters) approval was subsequently obtained by Aldi in March 2018 (ref. 17/02657/MAR). Aldi now wishes to make a series of amendments to the previously approved scheme, and it is therefore necessary to submit a fresh reserved matters application.

After consultation with stakeholders and the community, we submitted our reserved matters plans in March 2022. As a result of ongoing discussions with Bedford Borough Council and responding to feedback we have received, we have updated our plans and submitted a new reserved matters application.

The changes to the application from our previous reserved matters application, submitted in March 2022, include:

• Increased acoustic fencing around the southern / southeastern boundary, which will be sympathetic.
• Introduction of a new landscape buffer to the eastern boundary to facilitate increased separation and noise mitigation.
• Improvements and amendments to the car park and HGV servicing areas.

To find out more about our submitted plans and to show your support, click here to visit the planning application page.

Why is this application needed?

Aldi’s proposals are to make amendments to the previously approved scheme to respond to the increased demand for Aldi’s service and products. The revised proposals will result in an improved scheme in terms of noise, landscaping, and sustainability.

Aldi’s proposals will bolster our distribution capabilities in the region, enabling produce to be more efficiently delivered to our stores and providing critical investment into the local economy as part of Bedfordshire’s post Covid-19 recovery.

The proposed new RDC would see the creation of an estimated 600 jobs once fully occupied, with further employment opportunities available throughout construction. These jobs will provide key opportunities for residents of the new Wixams settlement to work locally. Further temporary employment will also be unlocked as part of the construction phase.