A LONG-VACANT industrial site in the heart of Midsomer Norton could soon be replaced with an Aldi.

The budget supermarket chain is looking to develop the former Welton Bibby & Baron site in the town. The paper bag factory, once a major employer, has been derelict for years despite many in the town wanting something done with the site.

The Journal believes Aldi has now submitted a pre-application to Bath and North East Somerset Council for the giant brownfield site but the authority does not publish pre-application advice online on their Planning Register.

A full planning application for the plans, expected to include housing and a nursing home alongside the supermarket, could follow later.

Local councillor for Midsomer Norton North, Shaun Hughes (Independent Group), who has been in conversation with Aldi over the future of the site, said: “While the proposals are still at an early stage of the planning process, this application represents a positive development for Midsomer Norton.

“I look forward to seeing the plans progress, with the hope that they will be brought forward as a full planning application in due course.”

Cllr Hughes added: “Welton Bag has been vacant for more than a decade and, like many former industrial sites, presents significant challenges that make development complex and costly.

“Progressing a viable scheme for this location therefore represents an important step forward.

He said: “In 2023, the site was identified in the Local Plan as a potential location for a supermarket, supporting aims to regenerate the high street and attract new investment into the town.”

The empty industrial site has been described as the town’s “festering boil” but an attempt to clear the site for development previously was unsuccessful.

The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket, Aldi is looking to invest £370-million this year to open new stores across the country.