DISCOUNT food retailer Aldi has submitted a full planning application to Powys County Council for the development of a new food store off Pool Road in Newtown.

This submitted application comprises full planning for a high-quality food store and a new car park for 104 vehicles. The site is currently vacant, formerly being occupied by the Greenhous Ford car dealership. The proposal represents a multi-million-pound investment and will create around 40 full time and part time local jobs.

The plans have attracted considerable community support following public consultation during December 2019 and January 2020, with a public exhibition held on Wednesday, December 11.

According to Aldi, more than 81 per cent of respondents supported the proposals, with many saying the store would be good for Newtown and the local economy, creating more jobs for the local community and reducing travel times for customers in Newtown who currently travel further afield, such as Welshpool, to complete their weekly shop.

A spokesman for Aldi said: “We’re delighted with the very high level of support for our proposal to bring a new Aldi s tore to Newtown. We would like to thank those residents and stakeholders who provided their feedback.

“Whilst preparing for this application, we were shocked to discover that £9 million of spending currently leaves Newtown every year. We know that customers currently travel out of Newtown to nearby Aldi stores in locations such as Welshpool, and we hope that a new community store in the town will reduce travel times and help keep trade local.”

Powys County Council will determine the application, with a decision expected to be made in the coming months. The planning application can be viewed at the Council’s website, using the application reference 20/0187/FUL.

Anyone who would like to find out more details about Aldi’s proposal for Newtown can contact a member of the project team on the Freephone information line, 0800 298 7040 or email feedback@consultation-online.co.uk.