A decision on whether Norwich will get yet another superstore is to be made next week, with council officers recommending a new Aldi gets the go-ahead.

The discount supermarket chain has asked Norwich City Council for permission to change existing buildings in Drayton Road to create the new 1,696 square metre food store.

The application also seeks permission for a 1,620 square metre retail unit in the same building, but for 'bulky goods' sales only.

The site is currently occupied by Wickes and Topps Tiles, placing a question mark over what the future holds for those businesses.

Documents lodged with the city council by RGP Architects state: 'Currently the Wickes and Topps Tiles units are occupied. It is intended to refurbish the whole building, to create a unit suited to Aldi's requirements.'

Topps Tiles has previously said it is 'business as usual' while they await the outcome of the application, while Wickes has not commented.

Members of Norwich City Council's planning committee will discuss the application when it meets on Thursday.

If approved, the work would include a small extension to form a loading dock bay, along with replacement cladding, a new-style entrance, new glazing and repainting.

The car park would also be altered to provide 162 spaces, along with 60 cycle spaces.

A number of neighbours have objected to the proposal, raising concerns over traffic and light pollution and that yet another superstore is not needed.

However, officers are recommending that councillors approve it. They are recommending conditions on when deliveries could take place and that changes be made to the junction leading to the site, with a pedestrian refuge for people being dropped off by bus.

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