LONG-TERM proposals to build a new Aldi and Starbucks Coffee shop on a vacant site in Aberavon have been approved by the local council.
The development will take place on a plot of land known as Burrows Yard, a brownfield site near Port Talbot town centre between Afan Way, Water Street, and Isaac’s Place.
The plans for the residential area have been in the works since 2022, and were given the go-ahead by councillors at a planning committee meeting held in June 2025.
They are now expected to transform the currently empty 12,135 square metre plot of land which has been described as being an eyesore by locals in recent years.
The land was previously used in historical industry as the site of a former 19th century tin plate works, as well as more recently as a council yard and a petrol station.
However, the approved proposals could now see the creation of a mixed use development with an Aldi food store built alongside a Starbucks coffee shop with a drive-through and customer parking.
The application read: “The proposal seeks full planning permission to build a single-storey Aldi food store and a Starbucks A3 café unit with associated drive-thru, including customer parking and a service yard.”
The scheme will include 141 parking spaces once completed with eight for disabled users, nine for parents with children, and seven bicycle hoops for up to 11 bikes.
It will also feature 18 electric vehicle charging points along with a new pedestrian access off Afan Way and a cycling route.
A representative speaking on behalf of the applicant said the plans had received a largely positive response from the public during the consultation period, with the report noting 317 representations of support in contrast to three objections.
They added that the development could also create over 40 jobs for local people, with a mixture of full-time and part-time positions expected.
Additional jobs are also anticipated during the construction phase of the project.
Local councillors in attendance welcomed the long-awaited plans which had been recommended by officers as they felt it could improve the area which was in need of development.
They were later approved by members with conditions following a unanimous vote.
