Sheffield Wednesday: Decision made over controversial plan for new Aldi opposite stadium on Penistone Road

Sheffield City Council’s planning and highways committee gave the green light for the scheme on Penistone Road North. The firm says building work will start “in coming months” .

It also secured outline planning permission for two builders’ merchants, two drive-thru restaurants, a drive-thru coffee shop and new retail/trade units.

Aldi says it will create 40 jobs at the supermarket and a total of 170 when fully up and running.

The council received 129 objections, including from all three Hillsborough ward councillors, over highways issues, concerns from other businesses, the environment and cyclists.

Mark Stringer, real estate director for Aldi, said: “We’re delighted that Sheffield City Council’s planning committee has approved our application  for a new store at Penistone Road North.

“This decision means we can now begin work to bring a new, high-quality Aldi food store to  the area finally bringing this brownfield site into productive use.

“We’re aiming to start work here in the coming months and we look forward to delivering for  the community.”

Approval marks the end of speculation about the site, which has been used for match day parking, dating back to the 1980s.