Councillors have approved a supermarket giant’s plans to move to a bigger store.

Members of Folkestone and Hythe District Council discussed Aldi’s plans on Tuesday night, during a planning committee meeting at the Civic Centre.

Officers had recommended the application for approval.

The budget store is currently based in Hythe High Street but unveiled plans for the Kengate Industrial Estate site in Dymchurch Road last year.

A report to members by planning officer Louise Daniel’s report said: “This application is for the erection of a new 1,800 m sq retail store with associated construction operations; car parking, servicing, landscaping and new vehicular access following removal of the existing buildings.

“The site is an existing industrial estate which is occupied by a number of small independent businesses.”

The proposals have received widespread support on the council’s website with more than 260 comments in favour, while a handful of objections raised concerns about possible congestion on Dymchurch Road and 15 small businesses on the estate being forced to relocate or close.

The multi-million pound scheme would employ 50 staff with an increased range of stock compared to the smaller High Street store, a spokesman said.

The report added: “It is not considered the proposal would result in a significant level of adverse harm to the viability and vitality of the town centre as the existing Aldi store would be relocated, with the town centre still retaining 80% of market share of convenience trade.”

The decision comes as the German discount chain opens a new store at a site near Ashford railway station today (Thursday).