OVER 250 jobs are set to be created as Aldi has been given the go ahead to build a new store.
The scheme, east of Sheffield Road, was given the green light. It includes 88 parking spaces and landscaping and involves demolishing existing units on the vacant brownfield site.
Aldi property director Mark Taylor said his company had worked hard with Barnsley planners on developing the scheme.
He said: "Birdwell is a unique location at the gateway to Barnsley but it doesn't have a food store and residents have to travel outside to get their shopping."
The store will create 35 retail jobs and 250 construction jobs. Mr Taylor added it was Aldi's policy to recruit all these locally.
The site has had retail planning consent since 2010, and in April Aldi sent out 850 invitations as part of a public consultation asking if people wanted the store.
"Ninety three per cent were in favour with comments saying it would offer them a much needed place to shop locally," Mr Taylor added.
He added the empty site was currently 'untidy' and the new store represented positive regeneration of the area.
Cllr Robin Franklin said he was concerned about the impact of commercial vehicles going in and out of the site and suggested a time restriction might be placed on deliveries.
Cllr Dick Wraith agreed that Sheffield Road - as one of the main roads into Barnsley from the M1 - was busy at peak times but welcomed the development.
He said: "There is a need for a supermarket. We only have a little Co-op nearby in Hoyland Common."
