The German retailer plans to convert three units at Junction 24 Retail Park in Govan’s Helen Street and to build a new shop at the Thistle Business Park on Ayr Road, Cumnock.

The Govan retail units are currently occupied by B&M Stores which was given permission last year to relocate its store to the former Toys R Us premises beside the Asda further along Helen Street.

The project also involves the demolition of units four and five (currently partly-occupied by B&M and That Party Place). The site would be served by 120 car parking bays.

A planning statement submitted with the application explained: “The proposals are submitted in order to meet Aldi’s new store development aspirations to serve the residents of Govan, Cessnock and immediate surrounding areas which are not currently served by a store.

“There is currently limited discounter presence within the catchment area, leading to residents leaving to access food shopping provision not present, this includes Aldi’s store at Paisley Road West within the Cardonald / Halfway Local Town Centre, which is overtrading. The proposals can therefore improve the sustainability of shopping trips for local residents.”

“The proposed host units, which are anticipated to become vacant in the near future, are located within an existing established retail park which benefits from access and associated infrastructure.

“Critically, the unit is of a sufficient size to accommodate the proposed operation by Aldi without necessitating significant external alterations to the retail park. Indeed, the overall floorspace of the retail park would be reduced as a result of the development proposals.

“The Aldi proposals offer the opportunity of developing a site, at an accessible location, whilst delivering up to 35 permanent new jobs for the local area once the store opens.”

Approving the new build plans in Cumnock, East Ayrshire Council’s planning committee chair, Councillor Jim Roberts, said: “We looked at the impact on Cumnock town centre and the benefits of a £4 million investment.

“A lot of people shop in Aldi. It will keep spend in the south of the area rather than spend going to Aldi in Ayr or Kilmarnock.”

The bid was “significantly contrary” to the council’s East Ayrshire Local Development Plan but officers recommended approval of the application as long as a number of conditions are met.