Aldi has received planning permission to open a new supermarket in Keynsham, even as worries persist that it could severely disrupt traffic flow on the surrounding estate. Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee approved the store’s location on World’s End Lane, near the new recycling centre, overriding a recommendation from their own officers to refuse permission due to potential traffic delays.
The decision reflects strong community support, with nearly 200 residents backing the development while only 20 objected. Aldi representative Elliott Saunders addressed the committee, emphasizing the retailer’s investment benefits: “Keynsham wants and needs an Aldi. This project will create 40 high-quality, secure jobs. Aldi is proud to be the UK’s highest-paying supermarket, offering local families access to affordable, high-quality food during tough economic times.”
Saunders contended that predicted congestion on the industrial estate stems from broader development plans and is not solely caused by the new store. Despite this, the council’s highways team warned that the store could provoke dangerous driving as motorists attempt to navigate increased traffic.
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Local councillors expressed mixed views. Hal McFie, representing Keynsham East, praised the store’s potential but voted against it, citing personal experience with severe Waitrose traffic jams and a need for better traffic management. Toby Simon highlighted potential impacts on essential council services due to peak-hour gridlock. Conversely, Shaun Hughes argued that shoppers would adjust their habits and stressed the importance of competition and choice as the town expands, with approximately 7,000 new homes planned.
After an initial 4-4 tie in the vote to refuse the plans, the committee ultimately instructed officers to grant permission with added conditions, passing 6-2.
Meanwhile, Aldi’s competitor Lidl has announced intentions to open a store directly opposite Waitrose on Broadmead Lane, signaling growing supermarket competition in Keynsham.