BUDGET supermarket chain Aldi is bidding to open a new store in Royal Wootton Bassett just metres away from a site that is the subject of an appeal by rival Lidl.

An application has been submitted to Wiltshire Council for a change of use at the Grange Landrover dealership on Coped Hall business park, just over the roundabout from the spot where Leda Properties and Lidl want to build sheltered homes, a community hub and a store.

If it wins permission the Aldi store could be open for business within months, according to Alan Williams of agents Kendall Kingscott.

In his statement he said: “It will provide a valuable contribution towards the local convenience shopping provision by introducing a neighbourhood discount foodstore facility in Royal Wootton Bassett.

“The store would also improve the range of local facilities and choice available for shoppers in an accessible location, and help retain expenditure in the local area.

“The proposal is deliverable in a short timeframe - the ALDI store could be open to customers by the end of 2018 - and will continue the beneficial use of a soon to be vacant brownfield site.”

He added: “The store would therefore support the local economy, assist in meeting existing and future retail floorspace needs, as well as increase social inclusion through the provision of local job opportunities and high quality, low priced goods.”

Aldi wants to use the existing building, removing the first floor and stripping the ground floor to create a shopfloor and warehouse space. It also plans to install a new refrigeration plant.

Access will remain the same and car parking and landscaping will stay, although the number of spaces will be slightly reduced to make room for delivery lorries.

Wiltshire Council threw out the proposals for sheltered homes and Lidl store at Marsh Farm off Malmesbury Road earlier this year, but a planning appeal was lodged in October.

Town councillors local people had objected to the scheme which they said would have hit the high street hard and put pressure on the town’s doctors’ surgeries, schools and roads.