OPENING of a new ALDI foodstore in Barnoldswick is on track for mid-July despite a few planning concerns which were discussed at a recent meeting of the West Craven Area Committee.

At the June meeting of West Craven Area Committee, members expressed some doubts that the opening of the new ALDI store on Skipton Road could be delayed.

Pendle Council’s planning manager, Neil Watson, advised councillors that Albert Hartleys, the company that had sold the site to the discount foodstore, had failed to comply with a legal agreement to carry out work on the section of Crownest Mill retained by the company.

And because of this he said that the store should not open until the planning obligations had been met.

Cllr Ken Hartley said he was opposed to anything that would further delay the store’s opening, but he was very reluctant to see the company just walk away from their obligations.

He said: “We haven’t had an awful lot of urgent action on getting this sorted.”

Mr Watson told the committee that a developer was prepared to take on the remaining part of the mill and carry out the investment requested by the committee. A new occupant would take on part of the refurbished site, with Albert Hartleys using a reduced area.

“It’s clear that they’ve had a difficult time,” Mr Watson said of Albert Hartleys. “They want to sell and rent half of it back.”

The committee approved the arrangement in principle subject to the planning manager agreeing details in consultation with the committee chairman, Cllr David Whipp.

Cllr Whipp said: “I think this town is going to benefit from this ALDI opening, and I wouldn’t want to see it jeopardised by a Section 106 agreement.”

Cllr Hartley also asked about progress with the new crossing on Skipton Road which, according to the planning conditions, should be installed before the store is opened.

He said: “There should be a crossing in place prior to opening the store.

Cllr David Whipp, chairman of the West Craven Area Committee, reported that the crossing scheme, together with one at Salterforth, had got bogged down in county hall red tape and both schemes might need approval from Lancashire County Council’s cabinet at it monthly meeting.

Both Cllr Whipp and Neil Watson said they would continue to press the county council for action.

Despite concerns about the planning agreement and the crossing, a spokesman for ALDI confirmed that the new Barnoldswick foodstore would be ready to open next month.

The spokesman said: “We are on track for a July 12th opening.”