Aldi plans to move in opposite Tesco in Welshpool

The German firm has submitted plans to build the supermarket in Welshpool town centre.

Up to 40 jobs would be created if the store is built, Aldi has said.

Despite it being just yards from Tesco, the town's deputy mayor Councillor Steve Kaye has said the competition would be "healthy".

The Mill Lane site was previously put forward for a new superstore by fellow discount chain Lidl, but the plans were turned down by Powys County Council in June last year.

Councillor Kaye, who is also chairman of Welshpool Business Forum, said he believed the new supermarket would be provide a boost for the town as a whole.

"Competition is healthy for business, and what we'll probably find is that during the initial honeymoon period, Aldi's presence will be felt but eventually things do settle down," he said.

"It's actually very exciting for Welshpool that these big names are interested and want to come here.

"It would mean that those who actually travel to say Oswestry or Shrewsbury for Aldi will now stay and shop here if the plans get the go-ahead."

Councillor Kaye said although Aldi could impact Tesco due to the proximity of the store locations, he did not think a new store would affect the town's Morrisons as it was enough of a distance away.

Earlier this year Aldi held a public exhibition in the town for residents to meet the project team, find out more about the proposal, and provide their feedback on the preliminary plans.

Councillor Kaye commended the firm for their "meaningful consultation" with the public.

He said: "I've got to say Aldi have gone about everything excellently, they came here, they listened and they kept the town and county council updated at all times, as well as communicating with the public. I can't fault them for that."

The proposed store would also include 90 customer car parking spaces on site.

Aldi said the scheme would generate additional employmentthrough construction and supply-chain opportunities following the public exhibition.

A spokesman for Aldi said the store would compliment other traders rather than compete with them. "As a food store with predominantly own labelled brands, Aldi would not compete directly with existing businesses within Welshpool," he said. "For instance, it does not have an in store butcher, fishmonger or cafe and does not sell cigarettes or tobacco products.

"This allows local businesses to flourish as customers link trips with the Aldi store and other local shops."