A proposal for a new Aldi supermarket on university land in Lampeter has been rejected by county planners despite the plans receiving significant local support. The contentious project, consistently advised for refusal by planning officers from Ceredigion Council, has frequently reappeared before the county's development management committee. Aldi Stores Ltd had proposed a food store at Trinity St Davids Playing Fields in Pontfaen Road including the renovation of a Grade II-listed sports pavilion, the installation of three pre-fabricated wooden 'food village' exhibition pods, and a nature and biodiversity area with associated access, car parking, and landscaping. These plans were previously recommended for refusal last summer. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter. In July the council's development management committee gave tentative support to the scheme, initiating a cooling off period meaning a decision would be made at a later date. A stumbling block for the project's advancement last year was a holding direction issued by the Welsh Government, which allowed members to consider the application but not grant permission. The application was revisited in February's committee but was postponed to the March 12 committee after additional information was submitted by the applicants at the 11th hour. The proposed site, currently home to two grass rugby pitches utilised for various sports by St David's College, now the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, also houses a Grade II-listed pavilion in its southern part. Despite acknowledging some positive aspects of the proposal it was recommended for rejection due to the potential harm to the setting of the Grade II-listed pavilion, lack of "quantitative or qualitative need for the proposed food store in Lampeter," and the "major detrimental impact" on other stores. This includes the existing Sainsbury's store in town and a "a major adverse impact on both Aberaeron and Llandysul town centres, with losses of around 10% of total convenience trade predicted," The Costcutter store in New Quay was also identified as potentially at risk. Officers have suggested that this figure could rise to as much as 40% for some Lampeter stores. Despite these concerns there has been significant support for the scheme including a petition and hundreds of voices in favour. Local councillor Ann Bowen Morgan stated both the town council and the chamber of commerce had backed the plans noting that Lampeter, recognised as a deprived area, would benefit from affordable food options. Cllr Morgan also highlighted the potential job creation from the scheme – an issue made more pressing following the recent decision to cease undergraduate teaching at the town's university. At their March gathering council members were briefed by officers that Aldi projected customers would travel as far south as Newport in Pembrokeshire and Ynys Las despite there being closer Aldi stores in Cardigan and Aberystwyth. The retailer anticipated a turnover of around £11m, which was almost double the officer's estimated £5.9m. Following an inquiry from Cllr Rhodri Evans it was disclosed to the committee that the proposal could be escalated to the Welsh Government for calling in or might face a judicial review. Officers mentioned they had received "a credible threat" of a potential judicial review. Cllr Marc Davies, who proposed the motion to deny the application with "a heavy heart", voiced his apprehension regarding the impact on more affordable shopping expenses for "people on the breadline". He also highlighted concerns about the destiny of the playing fields should the development not proceed, hinting that the final resolution might ultimately lie with Cardiff. The committee concluded with a tally of 10 members supporting and two opposing the officers' recommendation for refusal. Earlier this month plans were unveiled for a Lidl supermarket to be built on the outskirts of Lampeter. That application has been lodged with Carmarthenshire Council as the site is in Carmarthen Road between the town and the village of Cwmann on the Carmarthenshire side of the border.