Aldi has emerged victorious from a year-long planning battle to open another branch in a Norfolk town.

Plans for a new Aldi in the former Norfolk Feather Company factory in Diss have been unanimously approved by South Norfolk Council. 

The decision was delayed after Tesco submitted a late objection to the proposals, which will see a new store built in Park Road.

This is expected to replace Aldi's current unit in Mere Street as its lease is due to expire next year. 

Diss Mercury: The former Norfolk Feather Company factoryThe former Norfolk Feather Company factory (Image: Google Maps)Representatives for Tesco complained that the site should not be used for food retail, according to planning policy, and later said the council's report failed to adequately consider the issues arising from the closure of Aldi's existing Mere Street store.

They said: "We would ultimately remain of the view that the proposed development would have a significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Diss town centre.

"The conclusions that this impact would not be significantly adverse rely upon the suggestion that the existing store is set to cease trading regardless of the outcome of the application, despite the fact that there is no substantive evidence to support this."

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Tesco asked that the decision be deferred to allow for further consideration of these concerns. 

However, planning consultants reassured councillors that the town centre would remain "relatively vital and viable" regardless of whether the Mere Street store closed down. 

Diss is currently home to an Aldi, Tesco and Morrisons, all located off the same roundabout. 

Diss Mercury: Aldi in Mere Street, DissAldi in Mere Street, Diss (Image: Google Maps)Keith Kiddie, South Norfolk councillor for Diss, said: "This is a very popular application and local people want to see the development go ahead.

"I'm fully in support of this."

Planning officers said the new store would create 20 jobs along with 30 others which would be retained following the closure of the Mere Street branch.

The new store will be built at the former site of the luxury bedding firm Norfolk Feather Company, which fell into liquidation in 2022.