A deeply neglected industrial site at the heart of Midsomer Norton, Somerset, may soon see a vibrant new future. Aldi, the budget supermarket chain, has submitted a pre-application to Bath and North East Somerset Council to redevelop the former Welton Bibby & Baron paper bag factory—once a major local employer that has remained vacant for over a decade.
The ambitious plans include not only a new Aldi supermarket but also housing and a nursing home, aiming to bring much-needed revitalisation to the brownfield site. Local councillor Shaun Hughes, representing Midsomer Norton North, expressed cautious optimism about the proposal. “Although still at an early planning stage, this development is a positive step forward for Midsomer Norton,” he said. Hughes highlighted the site’s complexity due to its industrial past but welcomed the initiative. “This location was earmarked in the 2023 Local Plan as suitable for a supermarket to help regenerate the high street and attract investment.”
The community has long awaited action on the derelict factory, which some locals have described as a “festering boil” in the town centre. Previous redevelopment attempts have stalled, making Aldi’s renewed interest particularly significant. If the development moves ahead, it could mark a major transformation for a site that has long held back the town’s growth and vibrancy.