A SUPERMARKET’S plans to demolish a neighbouring shop in order to extend its customer car park will go before planning chiefs this evening.

Budget chain Aldi has submitted proposals to extend the parking facilities at its store in Higher Lane, Whitefield.

It wants to create an additional six parking spaces by knocking down 34-36 Fountain Place, which is currently a McColl’s convenience store with four flats above it.

Bury Council officers are recommending approval of the plans - but have they have not been universally welcomed by those living in the area.

Kathleen Keane of nearby Frankton Road was one resident to lodge an objection with authority

She said: “I object to the proposed car park extension. This is a residential area and would create more pollution. Residents already suffer from noise from Aldi any more would be unacceptable.”

A further objector said: “I am still unable to see a plan of what the store will look like with the demolition and various extensions proposed in August 2015 and the impact upon the flats on Frankton Road.”

While another added: “The proposal would lead to a loss of a shop (McColl’s) which serves the community and provides important facilities, such as a pay point for bills and an ATM machine.”

One opponent said that council should be prioritising the lack of social housing, not the expansion of Aldi.

But a report compiled for planning chiefs says the building proposed for demolition “contributes little in architectural merit and as such the demolition of this building would not harm the character of the locality.”

Addressing objectors comments the officer states that: “Issues relating to noise from lorries, air conditioning units and the location of the current store are not material to this application, which is for the creation of a car park.

“The proposed development is for an extension to the car park and would not result in a significant increase in noise.”

The authority’s highways officers also say the additional parking spaces are “welcome” and the proposed new layout would maximise the number spots within the land currently available.

A decision on the application is due to be made when Bury Council’s planning committee meets at the town hall this evening at 7pm.