ALDI has been granted planning permission to develop a store in Honiton.

ALDI has been granted planning permission to develop a store in Honiton.East Devon District Council's Development Control Committee rubber-stamped a recommendation made by planning officers at a meeting last week.The new Aldi supermarket will be built on the site of Slade's Countrywise, adjacent to Honiton Motel at Turks Head.Aldi had been seeking planning permission for a store in Honiton since 2007 and, following extensive consultation, the supermarket's planning application received significant public support. Aldi has told the Herald the store will employ 12-14 people at market-leading rates, many of whom will be recruited locally. The firm's property director, Phillip Warner, said: "We are clearly delighted to receive planning permission and the council's endorsement. "This is great news for Honiton and is an important opportunity for us to provide residents with a new store that will offer them competition and choice for their weekly shop."The new store will provide 1,540 square metres gross (1,075 square metres net) floorspace, with 74 car parking spaces. Through the development, Aldi have agreed to make a financial contribution of �43,860 towards the improvement of Turks Head junction. Pedestrian access to the store from surrounding areas will be improved through the development of a new crossing in Exeter Road and improvements to local bus facilities.