BUDGET retailer Aldi has confirmed that its flagship proposals for a new food store in Coleford have been resubmitted to the planning authority following ongoing dialogue with planning officers and the local community.

The initial application for the Tufthorn Avenue site was refused by Forest of Dean planners over fears of its impact and the sequential test.

Aldi has since worked to overcome these perceived issues and has proactively responded in order to deliver a new store to serve the residents of Coleford.

The re-submitted proposals support Aldi’s claims that there is no other available site in the town centre to deliver a viable store.

A spokesperson for Aldi said: “We haven’t forgotten the wonderful support shown by local residents and businesses in Coleford.

"We have listened to what councillors, officers and residents have said and have submitted amended plans.”

”The previous application received wide ranging support from local residents, town centre businesses and councillors."

Claire and Peter Hilgart, owner of Coleford Computers on St John Street organised a petition in favour of the scheme and said: “As a local business we see the benefits of having a food offering such as this in the town to retain the large numbers of shoppers who currently head out of town to do their food shopping.”