Aldi launches appeal over new store plans

Aldi is appealing against a decision to block plans for a store at Whitchurch in Shropshire.

Aldi had hoped to build a supermarket on Wrexham Road but Shropshire Council rejected its application in January, with councillors saying it would have an impact on the town centre.

Now, the  the German discount retailer has launched an appeal in a bid to overturn that decision.

Solicitors representing the supermarket pointed to a series of measures designed to reduce the impact of the store, including a bus for shoppers and £10,000 for the town centre.

There were a number of objections to the original application, including one from rival Lidl, which said it would be “catastrophic” and could lead to the closure of its Bridgewater Street store.

As part of the proceedings, Aldi has requested an inquiry which could take place in September.