A scheme for a new Aldi supermarket on university land in Lampeter which has seen hundreds of supporters will be decided at a later date after a ‘cooling off period,’ having been given the cautious backing of Ceredigion planners.

At the July 10 meeting of Ceredigion County Council’s development management committee, members were recommended to refuse plans by Aldi Stores Ltd for a foodstore at Trinity St Davids Playing Fields Pontfaen Road, along with the refurbishment of a Grade II-listed sports pavilion, the installation of three pre-fabricated wooden ‘food village’ exhibition pods, and a nature and biodiversity area with associated access, car parking and landscaping.

The application site currently provides two grass rugby pitches which are used for rugby, cricket, football, hockey and other sporting activities by St David's College, now the University of Wales Trinity Saint Davids, the site owners. Within the southern part of the site is a Grade II listed pavilion.

An application for listed building consent has also been submitted alongside for the refurbishment of the pavilion.

The applicants state that the proposed development would provide up to 40 new local jobs, in additional to short term construction jobs.

The proposed food village comprises of three pre-fabricated wooden exhibition pods, and will be used to help promote local produce and producers and for educational purposes, as part of the wider Canolfan Tir Glas initiative, a report for planners said, adding: “The pods will predominantly be used for education and exhibiting various programmes/activities, but they will occasionally be used for small-scale retailing.”

While positive benefits of the proposal were noted, it was recommended for refusal on the harm on the setting of the Grade-II-listed pavilion, no “quantitative or qualitative need for the proposed foodstore in Lampeter,” and having a “major detrimental impact” on other stores, including the existing Sainsburys store in the town.

“Even if it were not to lead to the closure of the store, footfall in the centre would be reduced considerably, with the knock-on impact on other town centre businesses,” the report said.

“This would adversely affect the vitality and viability of the town centre, which in turn could further increase vacancies in the centre, at a time when rising vacancies are already a concern.”

It also said it was expected to have “a major adverse impact on both Aberaeron and Llandysul town centres, with losses of around 10 per cent of total convenience trade predicted,” New Quay’s Costcutters store also mention as being at risk.

Concerns were also raised in the report at a lack of clarity in the ‘food pods’ role, with “concerns that there is potential for these units to be in direct competition with the existing small/independent retailers currently operating in Lampeter town centre”.

Members at the July 10 meeting herd the 10 per cent figure may be an underestimation, with financial impacts in the region of 40 per cent bandied, along with fears the development could even lead to a “severe risk” of the closure of the Sainsburys store, with concerns also later raised about the town’s Co-op store

The application saw representations from agents for both the university and Aldi; the former saying it was a “transformational” opportunity, which would provide “a complimentary offering” rather than detracting from the town centre.

Aldi agent Rob Jones said the plans were a “once in a generation opportunity for Lampeter,” adding there had been hundreds of voices of support, together with a 700-plus petition in support of the scheme.

They were backed by local member Cllr Ann Bowen Morgan, who said both the town council and the chamber of commerce had backed the plans, adding Lampeter “noted as a deprived area” would welcome affordable food on its doorstep.

Coupled with the local support, many members felt there would be a positive benefit from the development; Cllr Maldwyn Lewis saying he “would be willing to go against officer recommendation” for “an asset for the town of Lampeter”.

After initially moving the application be approved, Cllr Lewis supported a ‘cooling off’ suggestion as members were minded to go against officer recommendation, the 'cooling off' overwhelmingly supported by fellow members

The application was deferred to the council’s ‘cooling off’ panel, returning to a future planning committee for final decision.