Low-cost supermarket giant Aldi is to launch an appeal after planners threw out a bid to open a new store in Whitchurch despite “massive public support”, it emerged today.

Planners rejected the bid this week amid fears an out-of-town store would sound the death knell for small traders on the high street.

The firm was seeking permission for a store at Meadow View, Waymills.

In a statement Aldi said today: “Despite massive local support for the provision of a new Aldi store in Whitchurch, Aldi was disappointed that elected council members went against their own council officers’ recommendation and refused to give the go ahead for the proposed new store on the Way-mills Estate on Wednesday.”

Mark Hewlett, Aldi property director, added: “Despite a thorough assessment of all alternative sites within Whitchurch town centre, both Aldi’s consultants and council officers concluded that the Waymills Road site was the most suitable and viable option for Aldi.

“With planning policy evidence being heavily weighted in our favour and local support being so substantial, it is our intention to appeal the decision in the near future.”

District Councillor Rob Hewson today invited Aldi and other low-cost supermarkets to make a fresh bid for a store in Whitchurch.

But he wants any new supermarket to be in heart of Whitchurch to boost trade at independent shops by bringing more shoppers into the town centre.