APPLAUSE broke out as the plans for a new Aldi to be built in Highworth were approved once and for all by Swindon Borough Council last night.

The Midcounties Co-operative, which is currently the town's only supermarket, went to the High Court to appeal Swindon Borough Council's initial decision to approve the plans back in July last year.

The retailer argued that Coun Vera Tomlinson said she had not read the planning officers’ report on the application before voting on it, and that the planning committee took heed of “irrelevant” considerations in granting permission, specifically the claim that granting permission for a new food store would not have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Highworth’s town centre.

Swindon Borough Council's planning committee discussed the appeal last night, with Highworth councillors and residents in attendance, then overruled the Co-op's concerns and gave the new supermarket the final green light.

More to follow.