A new supermarket in Whitchurch will not impact existing businesses, according to those behind the proposal.

Discount chain Aldi plans to build a store on Wrexham Road, however, concerns have been raised over how it will effect businesses in the town and in nearby Malpas.

In a letter to planning officers at Shropshire Council, agents JLL on behalf of Aldi, say there will be no negative impact.

Joanna Gabrilatsou, director of JLL said Whitchurch’s Lidl store already performs well and will not be “threatened.”

She added: “It is therefore concluded that the proposal will not result in significant adverse impact on the centres of Whitchurch or Malpas.

“Moreover, the centres will continue to trade above benchmark levels with the proposed Aldi store, demonstrating that there is pressure on existing convenience floorspace. The proposal can alleviate some of that pressure while keeping the centre viable and strong.”

Ms Gabrilatsou also said the shop will not impact town centre businesses, commenting: “Aldi is not a one-stop-shop. It is absent of facilities found in larger supermarkets and in town centres e.g. a café, delicatessen, bakery, butcher, fishmonger and tobacco counters. It carries a limited range of branded products making up only five per cent of all goods. As a modest sized store, customers continue to require using their local centres.

“Whitchurch centre benefits from a range of shops, cafes, services and civic facilities which will also provide an important destination for the local community. Therefore the proposed development will not result in significant adverse harm to Whitchurch town centre.”

Concerns over the new supermarket have been raised by residents and by the Canal and River Trust, which says it will have a negative impact on the neighbouring Shropshire Union Canal – Llangollen Branch.