Aldi's Farnborough Way store has been granted permission to operate with a downgraded Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) standard, following a decision by Bromley Council's Development Control Committee. The committee approved a minor material amendment to planning permission ref: DC/23/00848/FULL1, allowing for proof of FORS Bronze membership (or equivalent) before the store opens, with a commitment to achieve Bronze by Q2 2027. Proof of FORS Silver membership (or equivalent) will now be required within two years of the store's opening, which is targeted for August 2026.
The decision was made despite objections from the Farnborough Village Society and seven local residents. They argued that a downgrade from Silver to Bronze accreditation was a compromise on health and safety, with specific concerns that Bronze FORS is insufficient for a large operator like Aldi. They also stated that the company was reneging on its original commitment and that Aldi's equivalent
bronze level accreditation already failed to match FORS in terms of driver training protocols.
Furthermore, they questioned why Aldi, a large multinational company, would not achieve Silver FORS accreditation quickly and efficiently unless they chose not to, and raised concerns about potential risks to road users, particularly vulnerable individuals, due to inadequate driver training and vehicle safety standards.
However, the committee was advised that FORS is a voluntary scheme and not a mandatory requirement in relevant policies. Transport for London (TfL), as the highway authority, stated that while they recognised the difficulty in achieving Silver level by the opening date, the proposed revised condition offered a reasonable balance and set a reasonable date for the delivery of safety and environmental benefits. Officers noted that the entry-level Bronze accreditation demonstrates compliance with key requirements in health and safety, driver management, vehicle maintenance, and environmental responsibility. TfL confirmed that the proposed revised condition wording sets a reasonable date for the delivery of the safety and environmental benefits that come from Silver-level membership.
FORS Bronze accreditation is an entry-level standard focusing on foundational legal compliance and safety. FORS Silver level, however, focuses on advanced systems and proactive measures to enhance road safety and environmental efficiency, requiring additional vehicle safety equipment and specialised driver training to reduce risks to vulnerable road users. While the meeting concluded that operating at Bronze level would not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety, Silver level offers enhanced safety for vulnerable road users and improved environmental efficiency.
The 'equivalent' standard that Aldi can provide instead of FORS Bronze or Silver is determined by comparing Aldi's current operational measures and driver training protocols against the requirements of the FORS standards. The meeting information states that Aldi's operators accord with relevant legislative standards and that their current operational measures are equivalent to all FORS Bronze measures and the equivalent of all FORS Silver measures, with the exception of measure S5 'Professional development', where Aldi's hauliers and FORS employ differing driver training protocols. Specifically, it notes that FORS would require a third-party contractor trained on the FORS training standards and a new training plan with additional management to oversee this.
The Technical Note submitted in support of the application argues that drivers are CPC trained to a standard that meets appropriate legislation and that their vehicles are fitted with the Progressive Safe System as part of the Direct Vision Standard, which is referenced in London Plan Policy T7.
The revised condition 18 requires proof of FORS Bronze membership (or equivalent) prior to occupation and proof of Silver membership (or equivalent) within two years of store opening. The haulier contract is expected to be in place by June 2027. The meeting information does not specify the consequences if Aldi fails to meet this deadline. The Parking Design and Management Plan (PDMP) will include details of monitoring and reporting of occupancy. Compliance is to be demonstrated by identifying Aldi's fleet vehicles and other suppliers in the parking eye
system and reporting in the parking management plan. The Local Planning Authority, in consultation with Transport for London, is responsible for approving the PDMP and any amendments. The meeting information does not explicitly state who is responsible for ongoing monitoring of Aldi's compliance with the FORS accreditation itself, beyond the initial submission of proof.
The decision aligns with the Mayor's Vision Zero
ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London's transport system.
