BUDGET supermarket chain Aldi has submitted a planning application to open a store in Malmesbury.

It has announced plans to build a branch in Crudwell Road on the site of Malmesbury Garden Centre.

The proposal includes building a store with 121 parking spaces and a replacement garden centre.

It is thought that should the proposal go ahead, it would create at least 40 new jobs, with further employment opportunities on the wider site.

Aldi submitted the planning application on Friday, July 27 to Wiltshire Council, with a target decision for the proposal Friday, October 26.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “We have been keen to open a neighbourhood store in Malmesbury for some time and are pleased to be finally progressing plans for an award-winning Aldi.

“Many local residents already travel to enjoy the Aldi offer, and opening our doors in Malmesbury would make it even easier for people to shop and save in the local area.

“This multi-million pound investment would provide an enjoyable shopping destination in a high-quality building, and facilitate the provision of employment opportunities on the site.

“Aldi’s opening would also create up to 40 new jobs, and we would actively seek to recruit people from the local area to fill these positions.”

Rival supermarket Lidl has already submitted a planning application to build a store in the town back in March.

The supermarket would be located off the A429 bypass near Waitrose creating up to 35 jobs.

An in-store bakery, a customer toilet and baby changing facilities, and ample parking for both cars and bicycles are included in the plans.

Cllr Gavin Grant added: “Each planning application is considered individually.

"Lidl’s application for a new store is further along this process than Aldi. There is a way to go before either or both applications are approved or rejected.

“Planning laws and local residents, businesses and councillors views really count when the Northern Area Planning Committee, of which I am a member, decide on these applications.”

Lidl hopes that a decision will be made on the application this summer.

Aldi are continuing to welcome feedback to its leaflet drop for consideration, but also encourage support for the proposals to be expressed direct to Wiltshire Council.

Residents can also provide feedback by calling Planning Potential on 01172 141820 or emailing malmesburyaldi@planningpotential.co.uk.