Tesco makes late bid to block Aldi's plan for Holbeach

Tesco has lodged a last minute objection to plans for a rival supermarket in Holbeach.

Aldi's application for the council depot site in Fleet Street is due to be decided by councillors tonight (Wednesday).

In a letter submitted by London-based planning consultancy Martin Robeson Planning Practice, Tesco - which has a 'superstore' on Boston Road South in the town - has raised several points of objection.

Tesco's issue with the Aldi plan focuses on what it feels are 'inadequate' assessments of the site chosen and its impact on the rest of the area, as well as the 'loss of employment land'.

It accuses the documents submitted by Aldi in terms of the impact on other retailers as being 'overly simplistic' and 'based on assumptions which have not been justified'.

The statement added: "Although there is retail impact material that is either not visible to the public or has not been undertaken, we have identified that there is enough justification to refuse the application on grounds of a significant adverse impact to the town centre."

The letter was sent on March 3 and only made public yesterday (Tuesday) just a day before the committee has to make its decision.

Officers have recommended that the plans should be approved by councillors.