COWDENBEATH’S brand new supermarket is set to open next autumn, after Aldi were granted planning permission two weeks ago.

As the Times reported last week, the new store on Stenhouse Street was given the green-light by the West Planning Committee, and now Aldi have put forward a date of autumn 2015 as the target to open the doors.

The single storey complex is expected to have around 1140m of shop floor space and will provide 93 parking spaces, including parent and child and accessible bays. Up to 30 new jobs could be created by the store’s opening, providing an economic benefit to the community.

Cowdenbeath councillor Peter Lockhart believes that residents are looking forward to the store. “The reaction I’ve been getting is that people really want an Aldi,” he told the Times.

“It will provide competition for Morrisons and Tesco when it opens, and maybe that will keep prices down because it gives people another option. I’m delighted to see Aldi coming, I think it will be a good addition.

“I’ve shopped there myself and I’ve found the prices and selection are good. They have fresh produce and not just frozen ready meals - you can get options for healthy living at a good price.” Graham Nicolson, property director for Aldi Stores, said, “We are very excited to be making progress with our plans to bring the Aldi brand to local shoppers in Cowdenbeath with a store opening targeted for autumn next year. A new Aldi store for the town also brings the opportunity of employment for up to 30 local people in full and part-time positions.” Aldi are keen to stock locally sourced food and drink as part of its Scottish sourcing commitment, and stocks over 270 Scottish products as well as working alongside Scottish independent food and drink businesses.