A major discount supermarket chain has been granted planning permission to build a new store in Liskeard.

The 1,392 square metre Aldi store will be built on the site of the Vospers garage on Charter Way and will provide jobs for 14 people in the area.

The decision comes after a two-day public inquiry held in January where Jill Kingaby, a Government-appointed independent planning inspector, heard evidence from both Turley Associates, who were acting on behalf of Aldi, and Mark Andrews, a planning officer from Caradon District Council.

The original planning application was submitted in October 2007, however, Caradon District Council failed to make a final decision on the application within the allotted time.

Once the inquiry had been announced, the planning committee gave approval to the plans in principle.

Phillip Warner, Aldi's property director, said: 'We are clearly delighted with the outcome of the inquiry.

'This is great news for both Liskeard and Aldi.

'We're looking forward to opening the store as soon as we can.'

However, town councillors have not welcomed the decision, saying that the location of the new store is not suited to those who would use it most.

Cllr Nick Mallard, of Liskeard Town Council, said: 'We're all disappointed because we think that it is in the wrong place.

'Most of the people who would have benefited are elderly or unable to drive so it will be very difficult for them to get out that far.

'Ideally, Aldi would run a bus service to the centre of town that could drop people straight at the store.

'They don't give a damn about the old people and are just here to make money.'

Cllr Mike Critchley, Caradon councillor for Liskeard South, said: 'I have always supported Aldi establishing a store in Liskeard.

'It would have been better nearer the centre of the town on some of our redundant sites and eyesores we have here but, nevertheless, will especially be welcomed by residents without a car but who can use public transport to the site.

'To have an Aldi somewhere locally will be great news for residents and I'm sure it will force down the price of many groceries available in our other supermarkets here.

'I'm sure we will see more shoppers come to Liskeard to use the Aldi store and some will doubtless remain to visit our other shopping areas which are improving all the time.'

The site will include 60 car parking spaces and pedestrian access to the store will be improved with the development of a new crossing on Charter Way.

Vospers will be releasing a statement next week as to whether they plan to stay in the Liskeard area.