More details have been released today on the proposed regeneration of the Axminster Carpets industrial site, including a new Aldi supermarket, as a public consultation is launched.

Following the announcement that supermarket chain Aldi could be coming to the town, a new Axminster Regeneration website has gone live today, detailing ACL Properties' plans to develop surplus land on the eastern part of the Axminster Carpets estate, off Musbury Road.

This is the first phase of a long-term plan for the consolidation and regeneration of the estate and modernisation of the carpet business.

The proposal is for a mixed-use development featuring a new Aldi discount foodstore and a number of houses fronting Musbury Road.

ACL Properties is consulting on the plans prior to submitting an outline planning application later this year. Public consultation will run from today (September 21) until October 6 and feedback is being welcomed from stakeholders and those who live and work in the area.

The new website sets out a vision for the Musbury Road development.

It says the proposals aim to boost the wider plans to unlock Axminster's potential by:

• Creating a premiere destination within East Devon - harness known demand from high quality occupiers
• Delivering a sustainable, high quality business environment suitable for the 21st century
• Developing a vibrant mixed-use hub for Axminster, that includes business units, trade counter, retail, housing and other complementary uses
• Contributing to Axminster's status, growth and self-containment, providing opportunities for local businesses and the wider community
• Adding momentum to the town centre regeneration
• Generating over 450 local jobs in the long term with an estimated annual wage bill of £10.25m and private investment of circa £25m

The development will also contribute to the sustainable future of Axminster Carpets and the wider regeneration of the estate.

The application site comprises 1.54 hectares (3.8 acres) of previously developed land located in the eastern part of the larger ACL Estate, with access off Musbury Road.

The emerging development proposal is for the following:

• Demolition of redundant industrial buildings.
• An Aldi discount foodstore (up to 2,000 sqm) with around 100 parking spaces.
• A new vehicular access from Musbury Road.
• Houses fronting Musbury Road with separate new access.
• Biodiversity enhancement zone and new landscaping opportunities.
• New bus stops and opportunity for new pedestrian/cycle link through the retained estate.

Following this period of public consultation, ACL Properties is aiming to submit a planning application to East Devon District Council in November. If permission is granted, work will start on the site next year with completion expected in the spring/summer of 2022.

To have your say on the plans, visit the Axminster Regeneration website.