Aldi Petersfield
Redevelopment of a former commercial site within the South Downs National Park secured for a new Aldi foodstore. Demonstrating our ability to unlock sensitive National Park development, combining early officer engagement, detailed retail evidence and design coordination to secure approval without post- submission changes.
Challenge
The site was located within the South Downs National Park and had been vacant since 2015, following the demolition of the former Estée Lauder UK Headquarters in 2018. Previous redevelopment proposals had been refused and dismissed at appeal.
The proposals therefore required careful consideration of retail policy, design, materials and sustainability. Close scrutiny from National Park Officers and Members created a high-risk planning environment.
Without careful planning advice and sustained officer engagement, the redevelopment risked further refusal and continued vacancy of the site
Approach
Established a positive working relationship with South Downs National Park Officers through early engagement
Led pre-application meetings in March 2020 and September 2020 to agree design and materials
Prepared and submitted detailed retail evidence addressing policy allocation requirements
Maintained open dialogue with Officers following submission and responded to statutory consultees
Coordinated design discussions to ensure no amendments were required following submission
Set out a clear case to Officers and Members demonstrating the benefits of site redevelopment
Outcome
Planning permission granted by Planning Committee in
November 2021
Approval secured without post-submission design or materials amendments
BREEAM Excellent building delivered with the largest green roof in the National Park to date
Long-vacant and previously refused site successfully brought forward for redevelopment