Plans to build a new Aldi supermarket in Ivybridge have been approved after a planning inspector overturned South Hams District Council's (SHDC) refusal of permission.

The appeal by Aldi Stores was allowed following a site visit by government planning inspector E Worley on July 28.

The decision follows the rejection by SHDC in November over concerns from the council and some local residents about the impact of the proposed store on neighbouring homes in Elm Park.

The inspector said the main issue in deciding the appeal was the effect of the development on the living conditions of residents, particularly their outlook.

The proposed single-storey store would have a rear elevation approximately 60 metres long and 3.6 metres high, running close to the site boundary. The inspector acknowledged that the building would have a "notable presence" when viewed from the rear of some neighbouring properties.

However, the decision concluded that the development would not be excessively dominant or create an unacceptable sense of enclosure.

A combination of landscaping, an embankment, planting and timber fencing would create what the inspector described as a "layered buffer", helping to break up the appearance of the building.

The appeal decision also considered concerns about loss of light and privacy.

The inspector also noted that the rear of the proposed building would have no openings above ground-floor level, while fencing would prevent direct overlooking towards neighbouring properties.

Concerns were also raised about noise, traffic, anti-social behaviour, crime, pollution and the effect on wildlife.

The inspector found no compelling evidence that the store would result in unacceptable impacts in those areas.

The Highway Authority did not object to the plans, subject to improvements including a new toucan crossing and bus stops with shelters on Exeter Road, as well as contributions towards a local cycle route and traffic regulation orders.

The report said that these highway improvements must be agreed and implemented before the store can open.

The inspector said the development would provide "increased choice, convenience and accessibility for shoppers and would create additional employment opportunities" during construction and once the store is operating.

The decision also found that the proposal would not adversely affect the vitality and viability of Ivybridge and would meet the expectations of local planning policy for local convenience retailing on land to the east of the town.

Elliott Saunders, Real Estate Director at Aldi, said: "We are delighted that planning permission has now been secured for our new Ivybridge store.”

"Throughout the process, we received overwhelming support from local people, with more than 1,200 letters submitted to the council in favour of the proposals."

"We would like to thank everyone who took the time to engage with the plans, and we hope they will be as pleased with this decision as we are.”

"This investment will provide local shoppers with greater choice and access to Aldi's award-winning range of high-quality, affordable products, while creating new jobs for Ivybridge and the surrounding area.”

"We are committed to being a good neighbour throughout the construction and operation of the store, and we look forward to delivering this long-awaited investment for the community."

The permission gives Aldi three years from the date of the decision to begin the development.