New data reveals that proposed floorspace for supermarket warehousing in the UK is being spearheaded by the fast-growing German retailer Aldi.
According to the latest report from Barbour ABI, which provides construction data for the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Government, planning applications for proposed floorspace for UK supermarket warehousing is at 82,757sq m for 2015 so far - of which 60,000sq m has been proposed by Aldi.

The report reflects the activity from 2014, with 94% of proposed warehousing floorspace coming from Aldi.The discount retailer is currently constructing a major distribution centre in Cardiff that is due to open in 2017.

In regards to the 'big four' supermarket retailers, Asda was the only one to seek any type of warehousing planning permission in 2014 with 10,695 sq m of floorspace, whereas Tesco has not solicited any planning permission for warehousing space over the last two years, said Barbour ABI.

Commenting on the figures, lead economist at Barbour ABI Michael Dall said: "With Aldi planning to spend a total of £109m in 2015 on new-build stores, it has also planned over 235,000sq m of warehouse space across the last two and a half years to meet future demand.

"The latest figures include a £25m distribution centre in Cardiff, which began construction earlier this month. Aldi has put ambitious growth plans into place to successfully build on its solid foundation as it continues to do battle with the 'big four'."