Sainsbury's has confirmed it will be opening a new store in Canterbury city centre later this year.

The supermarket chain has gained planning permission from the council to open a supermarket in the old post office in the high street.

It will be the fourth Sainsbury's operating in the city - with a similar 'Local' branch in St Dunstan's being less than 500 metres away.

Bosses want the new store to be open all day and every day, but the proposed 24-hour operating hours are yet to be decided on by the council.

On the junction of the high street and Stour Street, the soon-to-be Sainsbury's building was a Post Office until 2007. Mexican chain Chimichanga moved in four years later before bowing out earlier this year.

Sainsbury's spokesman Jordan Grant confirmed the mini supermarket will be up-and-running in the not too distant future.

He said: “We’re pleased our application for a new Sainsbury’s Local has been approved and we look forward to welcoming customers into our new store later this year.”

It is thought the three existing Sainsbury's outlets in Canterbury will remain open.

Despite concerns over noise disturbance, lack of parking, increased waste and fears of heightened anti-social behaviour, authority planning officer Chris Pragnell rubber-stamped the plans last week.

During consultation, 22 neighbours were notified of the supermarket proposals, with one objector speaking out against the plans.

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