Independent retailer Jempson’s has warned that a proposed Aldi store in Rye could seriously harm the town centre and cut its own turnover.
The proposed Aldi store on the Winchelsea Road trading estate is due to be considered by Rother District Council’s planning committee on 12 February. The application includes a new food store, customer parking and landscaping works.
Jempson’s argued the proposal would result in “a significant adverse impact upon the health of the town centre”.
“Town centres come first,” said Jempsons MD Stephen Jempson. “Out-of-centre development is only acceptable where it can be shown not to cause significant harm. In this case, that test is simply not met.”
Jempson’s Rye town centre supermarket acted as the area’s “anchor store”, it said, generating more than £2m a year in linked spending for surrounding shops, cafés and services. It said it also spent over £4m annually with local food producers, supporting the rural economy.
Among Jempson’s objections, the retailer dismissed Aldi’s suggestion that the store would generate trips to the town centre as ”highly unlikely in reality”.
“The site is around 600 metres from the main shopping area, with no clear visual or functional link,” said Jempson. “The route involves narrow footways, poor visibility, and crossing the busy A259. This is not an attractive or safe walking environment. Linked trips would be minimal, especially compared to those generated by Jempsons.”
Jempson’s, which operates seven other supermarkets and convenience stores in partnership with Morrisons across East Sussex and Kent, estimates the proposed Aldi could reduce turnover at its Rye town centre store by around 50%, while the council’s independent consultant put the potential impact at 37%, Jempson said.
“Either figure is devastating,” he added. “This is not a marginal impact that a business can absorb.”
Council officers have recommended the application be approved, provided Aldi enters into a Section 106 agreement to fund local improvements. The agreement would include £15,000 for pedestrian links, £49,950 for bus services, £30,000 for bus stop upgrades, and two hours of free parking at the store.
Aldi real estate director Robert McClellan said: “Aldi stores operate successfully alongside independent shops and other supermarkets across the country, and our limited product range is designed to complement, not replace, the offer of local businesses. We have also committed to measures that encourage linked trips into the town centre.
“The retail independent assessment confirms the store will not significantly harm Rye town centre, and with local shoppers currently travelling elsewhere for affordable groceries, our proposal helps keep spending in the town rather than losing it to other areas.”
“With overwhelming community support, around 50 new local jobs and a major investment, we firmly believe this proposal brings significant benefits to Rye while supporting the long‑term vitality of its town centre.”
According to Aldi, the planning application has received 329 letters of support and 35 objections. A decision is expected from the planning committee tomorrow morning.
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