Inquiry on store proposal for town

A public inquiry on plans to allow discount supermarket giant Aldi to open a new store in Whitchurch is to be held next month, it emerged today.

An independent planning inspector is due to hear Aldi's appeal at Edinburgh House, Wem, on October 23 from 10am.

The public inquiry was sparked in March when the food retailer announced it would appeal after planners at the former North Shropshire District Council threw out their bid.

Councillors rejected the plans for a store at Meadow View, Waymills, despite council officers' recommendations that they be given the green light. They rejected the bid amid fears that an out-of-town store would sound a death knell for small traders.

Aldi said there had been "massive" local support for the scheme and the company was disappointed council members went against the officers' recommendation.

The plans, which would have created dozens of jobs, would also have seen two non-food retail stores built on the site.

Aldi had also agreed to extend a bus route in the town.

Mark Hewlett, Aldi property director, said at the time: "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."