Aldi has revealed when a controversial new supermarket set to be built in a “crazy” location will open.

The German chain has been given the green light to build on a prime spot in Ashford on A28 Canterbury Road.

It is taking over a 1.85-acre plot in Kennington, between the Holiday Inn and M20, which was previously earmarked for a Miller & Carter steakhouse.

Initial groundworks have already started and Aldi has confirmed full construction is due to begin at the end of the year.

It then hopes to have the store open by mid-2025, creating up to 50 new jobs.

But the plans have not been welcomed by all, with some residents raising concerns over how it will impact the already congested A28.

Ashford historian Steve Salter says “while it would be nice to see a decent supermarket in Kennington”, he thinks the plans are “nothing short of crazy”.

Writing in his weekly memories column for KentOnline’s sister title the Kentish Express, he said: “With this section of the A28 at saturation point at both office hours and at rush hour, the plan to put more traffic lights within 100 yards of existing signals is just cranky.

“The road as it is, the narrowness of the bridge over the M20, and the thriving businesses nearby such as Longacres Bybrook Barn will see absolute gridlock.”

Aldi bosses say a number of road improvements will be introduced, and says Ashford Borough Council’s decision to approve the scheme followed a “comprehensive transport plan and feedback received by the community”.

Traffic lights at a new access point close to the M20 bridge will be added, along with another set at the junction with Cemetery Lane, which leads to Longacres Bybrook Barn, creating a staggered crossroads.

The Ashford-bound bus lane that currently runs to just short of the M20 bridge will also be reduced to stop at Kinney’s Lane.

The firm proposed the plans in 2021 and submitted full, detailed proposals in August 2022 following two public consultations.

The land was previously home to Houchin Sports and Social Club, and in 2019 was earmarked for a Miller & Carter Steakhouse, which never came to fruition.

Aldi opened its first store in Ashford in Victoria Road in 2018.

It then submitted plans for a second store in Waterbrook Avenue, just off the A2070, which have been approved.

However, a condition imposed by ABC means contractors cannot start work until progress is made on a separate convenience store on the nearby Finberry housing estate.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Aldi has since launched a petition against the move as it fears Finberry residents “will continue to have no local foodstore for several years.”

Residents in Finberry were sent letters about the petition, which is also being advertised in Aldi’s Victoria Road store.