East Sussex's family-run supermarket Jempson's is fearing loss of millions of pounds in trade in the face of plans of the expected opening of a Aldi store.
The proposal to open a new Aldi store in Rye is set to go before councillors this week, with the scheme attracting both strong support and opposition from an existing local supermarket operator.
On Thursday (February 12), Rother District Council’s planning committee is due to decide on an application to build a new Aldi store at the Jempsons Trading Estate site on Winchelsea Road in Rye.
The plans have been opposed by Jempson's, which operates the town’s only existing large supermarket. First founded as a little bakery shop in Peasmarsh in 1935, the business now consists of two supermarkets, four convenience stores, six cafes, five post office counters, a petrol station and a pharmacy. Its stores are known for its stock of local produce, deli, butchers and bakers counters.
Through joint submissions with its trading partner Morrisons, Jempson’s has argued that the proposed Aldi could have a significant impact on its turnover and potentially threaten the long-term viability of its Station Approach store.
In a letter submitted last February, a spokesperson for the supermarket chains warned that the closure of the Jempson’s store would leave Rye town centre without an anchor foodstore, reducing linked trips to other shops and services. The submission added that even if the store were to remain open, a substantial reduction in turnover would be likely, with knock-on effects for surrounding businesses.
The submission also claimed the Aldi store would operate as a “standalone, car-based development”, drawing activity away from the town centre and generating limited linked trips, and argued that the proposal would have an “unacceptable” impact on the vitality of Rye town centre.
Aldi, however, has rejected these claims, saying the impact on town centre turnover would be far more limited. In correspondence submitted to the council, the discounter said it expects around 80 per cent of its turnover to be drawn from diverted spending from Hastings, including its own Hastings store, which currently attracts around a quarter of its customers from Rye and surrounding areas.
Planning officers report that the application has received 35 objections and 329 letters of support. Supporters of the scheme have cited increased competition, greater consumer choice and the creation of new jobs as key benefits for the town.
Council officers are recommending the application be approved, subject to Aldi entering into a Section 106 legal agreement with the council. This would secure a £15,000 contribution towards improved pedestrian links between the store and Rye town centre, £49,950 for local bus services, and a further £30,000 to improve nearby bus stops.
The agreement would also require two hours of free parking at the store and highway works to improve access from Winchelsea Road.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, some Rye residents said the town currently lacks choice. One resident described Jempson’s as having a “monopoly”, while others said an Aldi would become their primary food shopping destination, with Jempson’s continuing to serve top-up and convenience needs.