Store rejected despite record public support

BUDGET supermarket giant Aldi has had its plans for a new Devon store thrown out despite receiving its highest ever level of public support.

- By GUY HENDERSON Local Democracy Reporter

More than 1,200 local people backed the application for a new store at Ivybridge, and the German firm's real estate director Elliott Saunders told South Hams Council’s planning committee that was the most ever for a UK store.

But after three hours of debate, councillors decided to back their officers who said the store off Rutt Lane, near the town’s railway station, would be ‘overbearing’ for neighbouring properties.

Michael Gibson, whose home backs on to the planned supermarket site, said the store would create an ‘unacceptable’ visual impact along with noise from deliveries and machinery.