**Major Retail Development Confirmed for Ammanford, Bringing Aldi, B&M and Greggs**
A significant new retail park featuring well-known brands Aldi, B&M, and Greggs has received the green light for development just off the M4, on Foundry Road in Ammanford. This move represents a major investment into the Carmarthenshire economy and is expected to provide a considerable boost to local employment prospects.
The proposal, backed by applicants TRJ Ltd, was initially submitted in 2022 and has now secured approval from Carmarthenshire Council. According to the design and access statement filed with the planning application, the retail park will consist of two large retail outlets—widely believed to be Aldi and B&M—as well as two fast food units, one of which is expected to be occupied by Greggs.
The retail park will be sited on the premises of TRJ Ltd’s existing construction yard, though the development will not extend to the adjacent offices, allowing TRJ to continue its other operations onsite. Developers anticipate that the scheme could generate as many as 105 full-time and part-time jobs, providing a welcome employment lifeline in the region alongside new shopping and dining amenities.
Parking infrastructure has been a key focus of the site’s plans, with a total of 276 parking spaces allocated: 216 for the two main stores and a further 60 for the food outlets. In addition, extensive landscaping and greenery are set to be introduced, aiming to enhance the visual appeal and environmental integration of the new park. Accessibility is also a major consideration, with a newly planned roundabout on Foundry Road to handle increased traffic and a shared-use footpath linking to nearby Betws Park for pedestrians and cyclists.
Despite the largely positive outlook, the project has not been without opposition. Lidl, which already operates a store on Foundry Road, submitted formal objections regarding the retail needs assessment put forward by the developer. Lidl argued that the proposed park was not justified and recommended refusal of the scheme. However, after a review process, councillors moved forward with the development, noting both the potential for increased local amenities and job creation.
Carmarthenshire Council’s planning department did acknowledge concerns regarding the demonstrated need for additional retail and food outlets. In their final approval, the council stated that a “qualitative need” for the new stores had not been clearly established. However, the planning report also recognised that the addition of food and discount retail facilities could bring tangible benefits to the area. Furthermore, no more suitable town centre sites had been identified that could accommodate such a large-scale development.
Alongside permission to proceed, the council has placed 27 specific planning conditions on the project. These include the relocation of a public sewer, the introduction of a travel plan to promote walking and cycling, and various measures to minimise unnecessary car journeys. Such stipulations aim to balance the commercial interests of the development with environmental and community wellbeing.
While the announcement has already created a stir locally, the finalisation of plans is now expected to attract even more attention from both residents and potential jobseekers in Ammanford and the surrounding area. TRJ Ltd has been approached for comment following the council’s approval but has yet to issue an official statement.
As construction gets underway, the new retail park is anticipated to reshape the commercial landscape of Ammanford, offering a broader choice for shoppers and strengthening the local economy in the years to come. This development comes at a time when regional investment and job creation are particularly needed, and the forthcoming arrival of Aldi, B&M, and Greggs is likely to be met with high levels of public interest.
Observers and stakeholders alike will be following progress closely, looking to see whether the new retail park can deliver on its promises of economic regeneration and community benefit.