Ivybridge residents say town ‘ignored again’ as Aldi plans rejected by South Hams Council

Plans for a new Aldi supermarket in Ivybridge have been refused again by South Hams District Council, sparking frustration among many residents who say the town is being ignored.

The proposal, for land near the Rugby Club, was backed by Ivybridge Town Council but rejected by seven district councillors at a meeting this week.

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The two Ivybridge representatives, Victor Abbott and Nadine Arding, voted in favour, but were outvoted by members representing other, more rural parts of the South Hams.

Aldi said the new store would have created around 40 jobs and offered residents a lower-cost alternative to the town’s existing supermarkets.

The decision prompted a wave of reaction online, with many residents expressing disappointment, saying the council had failed to listen to local people.

“The majority of Ivybridge want it and the town needs it,” said Vanessa Lye, who described the outcome as “ridiculous.”

Rachel Freeman called it “a shame for the area,” while Kate Hill said the store would have “helped the community save on fuel for those who have to drive to Plymouth” and provided local jobs.

Several residents criticised the council’s decision-making process.

Will Collier commented: “Massive majority for an Aldi - rejected. Massive minority for Plymouth’s council takeover - accepted. Make it make sense.”

ABOVE: Nearby Lee Mill Tesco is the closest large supermarket to Ivybridge (Credit: South Hams)

Others said councillors “don’t understand Ivybridge,” and that the refusal ignored the needs of newer housing developments at the station end of town.

However, some residents opposed the supermarket, citing concerns about congestion, competition with existing shops, and suitability of the site.

Helen Barton said: “Aldi will just have to look for another site. The council hasn't said the issue is Aldi itself, it’s the land. They just need somewhere more suitable.”

Tommy McEwan raised traffic concerns: “They blame the traffic. The traffic is already here with the new houses in a growing town, which goes hand in hand.”

Alison Kohler added: “They can’t keep building houses and not have the infrastructure there as well.”

Wendy Lillicrap suggested a smaller alternative: “Far better to have a small store, maybe a late-opening pharmacy and shop like the complex at Highweek.”

For others, the issue was affordability and access. Michael Webber said: “I’m disabled and need to save money; I struggle to get by on the town’s prices. I like to be independent. Please pass this for people like me.”

Shirley Rawlings added: “I’m a pensioner on a low income with no transport. I really hoped it would go ahead.”

The decision leaves Ivybridge once again without a confirmed site for a discount supermarket.

For many, it feels like another missed opportunity, with one resident summing it up: 

“They keep building houses, but not the infrastructure to go with them.”