A BANGOR councillor has welcomed news that a supermarket has been granted permission to develop in the city centre giving jobs a boost.

The new Aldi store will represent a multi-million-pound investment into the area, protect 27 jobs and create a further new ten positions

Aldi, which currently operates on Garth Road will now be closed, and a much larger store on the site of the former Blakemore cash and carry. on Caernarfon Road. will be opened in the New Year.

The application for the cut-price store was approved unanimously by Gwynedd County Council’s Planning Committee on Monday, December 9.

The proposals also include 113 car parking spaces, including six disabled and seven parent-and-child spaces, as well as an improved car park for the neighbouring Dunelm store.

Enhanced highways works will be undertaken to introduce a roundabout to access the Aldi and Dunelm stores, as well as the introduction of two bus shelters on Caernarfon Road.

Councillor Gareth Robert, who represents the Dewi ward, spoke at the Gwynedd Council planning meeting.

Cllr Roberts said: “This is good news for Bangor.

“I spoke in the planning meeting and gave my 100 % backing for this development.

“I also asked Aldi if they could provide a bus shelter outside the new store which they have agreed to do. This development will create more local jobs and it will replace an old building which is an eyesore.”

In a statement the Aldi and The Bampton Property Group said it was “delighted” to confirm that they have obtained planning consent to develop a new food store, at the former Blakemore cash and carry site on Caernarfon Road, Bangor.

The plans were recommended for approval with ward member, Councillor Gareth Roberts, speaking in support of the scheme, as well as strong support shown by local residents during the public consultation.

Mark Newton, Director of Total Property Solutions, and acting Development Manager for Bampton Property Group, said:

“We are delighted that the Council’s Planning Committee supports the redevelopment of this brownfield site. We are now looking forward to starting our initial work on site and getting ready for construction which will begin in Quarter 2 next year.”

A spokesperson for Aldi said: “We are proud to be part of the community in Bangor for the last 20 years and thrilled to receive this planning permission for our proposed new store.

“We look forward to The Bampton Property Group delivering the new store and expect to open it in 2021.”