SUPERMARKET giant Aldi has pulled out of plans to build a store in Cleethorpes.
As reported, the budget superstore has repeatedly "expressed interest" in the resort – with the Meridian Point Development site being its preferred location.
But today the Grimsby Telegraph can reveal the chain has "no plans" for an Aldi store development.
As reported, the development site, in Kings Road, is now earmarked for a Premier Inn Hotel and a planning application is due to be submitted in the coming weeks.
Aldi abandoned its plans to build at Meridian Point last year, but always stressed it was "still committed" to opening a store in the resort.
A spokesman for the chain told the Telegraph: "We have no plans for an Aldi store development in the short-term. However, we may consider this location at some point in the future."
Maltgrade Developers, which owns the Meridian Point site, which also has a La Vive Health Club, KFC, a McDonald's and two retail outlets, has had planning permission for different development opportunities for some time, including a hotel, retail or leisure space, a pub, restaurants, fast food outlet and bingo hall.
The news will disappoint some residents who, at the Premier Inn public unveiling of plans last week, expressed a wish that they would rather see a supermarket on the site than a hotel.
But it has proven good news for members of the Cleethorpes Traders Association, who say there is no need for another supermarket in Cleethorpes – which already has a Sainsbury's and a Co-operative.
Chairman of the group and owner of jewellery shop In The Pink Karen Webb-Meek said: "If they were still trying to go to Meridian Point I don't think many of us would be too bothered because we are all based in St Peter's Avenue and Sea View Street.
"But if they were trying to nestle in on St Peter's Avenue many would ask whether we really need another supermarket. I can't understand why it would be needed.
"Everyone seems to get by with what we have and I never hear anyone saying 'we need another supermarket' which is probably why they are no longer interested in coming to Cleethorpes."
She is also against plans to demolish the old Wilkin and Chapman solicitors building in St Peter's Avenue to make way for an Iceland shop.
As reported, the frozen food store has appealed against North East Lincolnshire Council's rejection of the £1.5 million development because it felt it would not be in keeping with the area.
The building is a former Victorian villa, which residents describe as a building of "historical significance" – although it isn't a listed building.
She added: "I don't think many people are in support of it. We have already got a Herron Foods, why do we need another frozen food store? We are really well served by local traders and it isn't fair for these big names to come to the resort and take all that away."
