PLANS for a new, bigger, Aldi store at Cardigan’s Bath House Road have been given the go-ahead.
In an application recommended for approval at the August 13 meeting of Ceredigion County Council’s development management committee, TJ Morris Ltd sought permission for a new store and associated works at the Bath House Road site, a larger store than the existing one at Aberystwyth Road.
The application follows a consultation held between December 2024 and January 2025.
A report for members said the scheme, which includes 82 parking spaces, will have shared access with a previously consented Home Bargains store at the site.
It added: “The existing store, consented in 2007, is constrained in size (1,230 sqm gross internal area) and is stated to no longer meets Aldi’s operational requirements.
“The proposed site is stated to offer the only viable opportunity within Cardigan to accommodate a larger, modern store and retain Aldi’s presence in the town. Aldi plans to continue trading from the existing store until the new unit is operational.
“The current store employs 39 staff, all of whom would be retained, with approximately 10 additional jobs created and it is stated that further employment opportunities would arise during the construction, fit-out, and ongoing maintenance of the new store. It is also stated that Aldi, as freeholder of their existing store, intend for it to be re-occupied by an alternative use rather than continue as a foodstore once their new premises is available.”
It went on to say: “Importantly, the proposal is for the relocation of an existing Aldi store from an out-of-centre site to an edge-of-centre location. Most of the new store’s turnover is expected to be transferred from the existing store, rather than drawing trade away from other retailers. This relocation is not considered a negative impact under planning policy, as it improves accessibility and supports more sustainable shopping patterns.
“Furthermore, as detailed within the planning statement, it can be reasonably assumed that Aldi will not dispose of their current premises to a market competitor and therefore, subject to consents, its current 1,230sqm of retail floorspace may be lost and partially offset any short-term increase in overall floorspace within Cardigan. It is stated that the development would help retain local expenditure that is currently leaking outside of the town centre, such as to the out-of-centre Tesco or stores outside Cardigan. This could lead to more linked trips with the town centre and increased footfall, enhancing the vitality of local businesses.”
It said: “The development is stated to represent an investment of over £6 million into the local economy and strengthens the presence of a major retailer in a more sustainable, accessible location near the town centre, enhancing consumer choice and competition.”
At the August meeting, members heard the new store would represent a 53 per cent increase in size.
Local member Cllr Sian Maehrlein welcomed the proposal: “Access to the Aldi we have now is horrendous, I’m surprised no-one has been killed on that junction. It’s going to create more jobs, no problem.”
The scheme was unanimously supported by members.
