Aldi plans go to Powys Council

Plans for a new Aldi supermarket in Welshpool were backed by the town’s Business Forum last night (Monday).

The plans were submitted to Powys County Council yesterday, revealing a multi-million-pound investment at the proposed site at Mill Lane by building a store that would create over 40 new jobs and includes 90 customer car parking spaces.

The proposed store would have a net sales area of 1,254 square metres and Aldi says the Welshpool scheme will also generate additional employment through construction and supply-chain opportunities after staging a public exhibition.

Members of the Business Forum, containing representatives from local businesses, unanimously backed the plans – calling for the Town Council to support the scheme on the derelict land alongside the Smithfield Bell.

A spokesman for Aldi said: "The store will clean up a currently derelict site that has been described by some as an eye-sore and will also provide additional choice to the existing retail offering in the area.”

As part of its commitment to involving the community in its planning application, Aldi held a public exhibition for local residents to view the proposal, meet the project team and offer feedback. The company also presented the scheme to Welshpool Town Council, who will discuss the proposal next month.

As well as the new store and car parking provision, Aldi also wants to develop a new crossing along Mill Lane for pedestrians and has promised "a complimentary shopping offer that supports local businesses".