Morrisons Moves to Block Aldi Store in Devizes

Aldi faces opposition from rival supermarket Morrisons over its planning application to build a new store at The Bike School on London Road in Devizes. Morrisons, through its planning consultants Peacock and Smith, argued the proposed location would draw shoppers away from the town centre and damage its economic viability. The consultants instead suggested the Central Wharf site—a council-owned car park already allocated for mixed-use development—as a more suitable alternative for a new supermarket. Wiltshire Council, which owns the Central Wharf site and is reviewing Aldi's current application, declined to comment on the feasibility of a retail development at the wharf while the existing application remains live and under consultation. Aldi has not responded to requests for comment regarding the objection or the potential alternative site. The dispute pits two major supermarket chains against each other over the best location for new retail development in Devizes, with the town's economic health at the centre of the debate.