Supermarket chain Aldi has announced plans to build its ninth store in Cornwall as part of a wider bid for 100 new branches nationally in the next year.

It has put in a planning application to Cornwall Council to move onto the site last occupied by B&M Bargains and Office Outlet at Garras Wharf - both of which are now empty.

It would involve knocking down both existing stores in Newham Road and replacing it with one large Aldi foodstore.

The development would also see changes to the car park and a separate service access created.

Falmouth Packet:

How the site looks now

The company already has a store in Truro, at the Highertown end of the city, as well as branches in Camborne, Redruth, Newquay, St Austell, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Liskeard.

This latest store would serve customers coming into Truro from the west - and be almost directly opposite the large branch of Tesco at Garras Wharf.

In a statement by planning consultants Kendall Kingscott it is said that the potential conversion of the existing empty units had been considered, but was found to be not considered commercially viable.

The new store would be approximately 1,842 square metres in size, with a 1,315 square metre shopping area.

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It would come with 128 parking spaces, including six for disabled customers and eight parent and toddler spaces, along with six for staff and three motorcycle spaces.

There would also be four cycle hoops for secure parking for up to eight bicycles, while two of the customer parking spaces would be provided with electric vehicle charging points, with the capacity to increase to 20 spaces in the future.

Photovoltaic solar panels are proposed on the roof of the new store.

The consultants said: "The site is currently vacant and offers a prime opportunity for development with desirable connections from Newham Road and the A39.

"A development of the site will re-invigorate an under-developed site and help maintain continued investment and jobs within the local area.

"The provision of a discount food retail outlet will provide a valuable service to the local community."