Decision on new Aldi store in Diss on hold as rival Tesco intervenes

A decision on whether Diss will get a new Aldi has been delayed after a last-minute intervention by a rival supermarket.

Plans for a new store on the site of the former Norfolk Feather Company factory hang in the balance amid a feud with Tesco.

The proposed store in Park Road would replace Aldi’s current unit in Mere Street as its lease is due to expire next year.

South Norfolk Council’s planning committee was unable to make its decision on the application as scheduled following the late objection.

Representatives of Tesco, which has a store in Victoria Road, had previously complained that the site should not be used for food retail, according to planning policy.

The rival chain has now said the council’s report fails to adequately consider the issues arising from the suggested closure of Aldi’s existing Mere Street store.

They said: “We would ultimately remain of the view that the proposed development would have a significant adverse impact on the vitality of the town centre.

“The conclusions that this impact would not be significantly adverse rely upon the suggestion that the existing store is set to cease trading, regardless of the outcome of the application, despite the fact that there is no substantive evidence to support this.”

Tesco asked that the decision be deferred to allow for further consideration of these concerns.

Planning officers said the new store would create 20 additional jobs, while a new road would unlock other parts of the site for development.

They recommended that members of the planning committee approve the plans for the 1,791 square metre store at a meeting this week, but the item was wiped from the agenda.