Plans for Aldi store submitted to council

SUPERMARKET chain Aldi has submitted plans for a new store in Cardiff.

The planned multi-million-pound store, on a piece of vacant land off Caerphilly Road, would create 40 new jobs.

The “eyesore” plot was formerly home to the Electrocoin factory, which produced amusement arcade machines. It was also home to a Texaco petrol station.

Earlier this year, city councillors received reports of concerns that the land in Heath was “dangerous” with derelict buildings and weeds growing at the site.

Plans for a new store became the subject for a consultation with members of the local community.

A planning application for the store has now been submitted to Cardiff council, following the consultation, in which Aldi said 68% of respondents were supportive of the proposed development.

Aldi’s regional property director Rob Jones said: “We would like to thank local residents and key stakeholders for providing their feedback during the consultation period.

“We have worked hard to ensure that our submitted plans take into account the feedback we received, whilst providing an opportunity to redevelop this dilapidated and problematic site, which is seen as an eyesore locally.

“Our proposed store represents a multi-million-pound investment into this area of Cardiff, creating employing opportunities.”

A decision on planning is expected within the coming months.

On its website, the discount retailer says it would create a “high-quality” food store. The plans would include 125 parking spaces, including four for disabled drivers and 10 for parents.

The company says creating a store in the location would “reduce the need for customers to travel further afield”.

“A store at this location would help to keep spending local and allow residents to carry out their food shopping without travelling out of the area,” it reads.

Subject to planning, the 1,254sq m store – which would be some 250m from the nearby Lidl on Maes-y-Coed Road – would open in late 2018.

Aldi currently has 42 stores in Wales employing 1,250 workers.

The company said staff at the new store would be paid a rate of £8.53 per hour.