Aldi submits new planning application for store and care home in Polegate

Aldi Stores Ltd has officially submitted a new hybrid planning application (reference WD/2026/1258/MAJ) for a mixed-use development consisting of a supermarket and a care home in Polegate.

The submission follows a similar hybrid proposal originally put forward in 2025. 

The proposal is currently being reviewed by local authorities, with Polegate Town Council's Planning Committee hosting a public meeting to discuss the plans. 

Development Site & Overview

• Location: Land off Eastbourne Road, Polegate.
• Site Condition: A 1.8-hectare plot of overgrown scrubland, formerly used as a private playing field over 20 years ago.
• Designation: Part of the "Land at South Polegate Strategic Development Area" within the local development plan. 

The Two-Part "Hybrid" Proposal

Because this is a hybrid planning application, it splits permissions into detailed and outline structures: 

• Aldi Food Store (Full Planning Permission): Detailed plans have been submitted for a single-storey supermarket with a Gross Internal Area (GIA) of 1,797 square metres. The store aims to bring roughly 40 flexible, entry-level jobs to the area. 
• Care Home (Outline Planning Permission): The second part applies only for the general principle of development. It proposes a three-story, 13-metre-high care facility spanning just under two acres and housing 75 to 80 beds to ease surrounding housing pressures. 

Parking & Layout Features

• Vehicle Parking: 115 dedicated customer parking spaces, including seven accessible spaces and seven parent-and-child bays.
• EV Charging: Four initial electric vehicle charging points, with the potential for future additions.
• Cycle & PTW Provisions: Eight short-stay customer bicycle spaces, eight long-stay staff bicycle spaces, and two powered two-wheeler (PTW) spaces. 

Community Feedback & Next Steps

Public opinion from residents remains highly mixed. Supporters point out the benefits of having a low-cost food store within easy walking distance. However, many local objectors have raised critical concerns regarding severe traffic gridlock along Eastbourne Road and the loss of local green space. 

While the local town council reviews the application to submit its consultation comments, the definitive approval or refusal decision rests entirely with Wealden District Council. Residents wishing to register formal objections or letters of support can email planning@wealden.gov.uk quoting the application reference