A FINAL decision on plans for a new Aldi supermarket in Poole could be made on Thursday.

BCP Council’s planning committee had been due to consider the scheme for the Fleets Corner site in July before it was delayed after a last-minute legal issue was raised.

But councillors will now be asked to approve the latest set of proposals with a report saying the supermarket would provide “economic, environmental and social benefits”.

Aldi is seeking permission to convert the disused former Office Outlet building in Fleets Corner into a supermarket.

A letter submitted with its application says it would “deliver significant investment and beneficial economic development through the refurbishment and re-use of an existing retail unit.”

It adds that the legal issue which prompted the previous delay had been resolved.

“It is considered that this full planning application represents a robust and lawful submission and the proposals comply with relevant planning policy criteria,” it says.

And a report published ahead of the application being considered at Thursday’s meeting of the planning committee recommends it be approved.

“The proposed development would deliver economic benefits…that would boost the local economy, environmental benefits…and social benefits through the provision of an improved retail offer and choice that is in an accessible and sustainable location – reducing the need for residents to travel further afield and allowing for linked trips,” the report by planning officer Claire Spiller says.

She adds: “This outweighs the loss of a unit and its floorspace within the retail park for bulky goods and DIY.

“The independent retail consultant concludes that subject to appropriate controls the proposal is unlikely to have a significant adverse impact upon the health of nearby local centres, nor is it likely to threaten the future of the town centre ALDI store.”

A final decision will be made at the meeting on Thursday, September 24.