SUPERMARKET Aldi is on its way to Newtown as plans for a new store in the town centre have been approved bringing up to 40 jobs.

The discount food retailer has had permission from Powys County Council planners for the development of a new food store off Pool Road in Newtown.

According to Aldi, they estimate it will help keep millions of pounds in Newtown which residents would look to spend at their stores elsewhere.

As part of the creation of the food store there will be a new car park for 104 vehicles. The site is currently vacant, formerly being occupied by the Greenhous Ford car dealership, and existing buildings on the site will be demolished.

In a design and access statement submitted with their planning application, Aldi said the proposals represent a multi-million-pound investment and will create around 40 full time and part time local jobs.

Granting the decision, Powys County Council's planning department case officer Holly Wilkinson said: "Whilst acknowledging that the need for the development in retail terms has not been completely proven, a significant impact on existing retail provision has equally not been demonstrated and therefore a planning balance has been made, the weight falling in favour of the proposed development.

"The proposed development will secure a re-use of a brownfield site within a sustainable and accessible location, with the potential to serve a wider catchment."

At the end of last year Aldi held consultation with the public in Newtown and said they were happy there was a desire to bring a store to the town.

According to the company, more than 81 per cent of respondents supported the proposals, with many saying the store would be good for Newtown and the economy, creating more jobs in the 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 store 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.”

A separate planning application has been submitted for an illuminated sign for the store, and various other signs, which will be decided on by Powys Council planners at a later date.