THE DECISION on plans for an Aldi supermarket in Barry has been deferred for a site visit to take place.

The proposal was meant to be discussed at Vale council planning committee yesterday (April 27) but the chairman Cllr Fred Johnson announced that members had decided to defer the application so a site visit can take place.

The application, if approved, would see the development of a new store, at the Ty Verlon industrial estate, in Cardiff Road, Barry.

The scheme represents a multi-million pound investment into the town - creating approximately 40 local jobs, paid at £8.53 an hour.

Aldi said the store would increase choice and regenerate a key site on the gateway into Barry.

Planning officers have recommended refusal - saying the application would result in the loss of an employment site within Barry.

Officers also say there is an absence of information to robustly demonstrate capacity and need for the development in this area.

An Aldi spokesman said: "We’re naturally disappointed and frustrated that a decision on our application will now not be made until June, particularly after a large number of residents took the time to attend the meeting.

"I’d like to take the opportunity to thank residents for taking the time to come along tonight to show their support for our proposals."

The application’s deferral comes after a last-minute request was submitted calling for a site visit to be held.

This request means the application is set to be dealt with in June when the planning committee meets following May’s local election.

The spokesman added: "ALDI remains committed to making this multi-million pound investment into Barry, despite this two month delay.

"We look forward to welcoming members of the planning committee to the Ty Verlon Industrial Estate so they can see for themselves a site that is more than suitable for a new food store and in need of redevelopment."