Machinery is finally on site at the planned £50 million Aldi regional distribution centre.

However, construction on the major development is not expected to start until the summer.

The planning application for land it owns opposite the Neats Court retail park in Queenborough, was approved by Swale council last month.

Vehicles, including a bulldozer, digger and tipper truck, have been spotted.

A spokesman for the budget German retailer said the work being carried out involves undertaking archaeological investigations, capturing and relocating species of water voles, reptiles and other fauna as well as other preparatory ground works.

He said they are looking to start putting up the buildings in the summer when the soil is as dry as possible.

The headquarters, which will be located off Thomsett Way, will include a 14-acre warehouse – four times the size of the 3.5 acre Morrisons on the other side of the road.

There will also be offices measuring more than 40,000 sq ft, parking for 325 vehicles, 56 bike spaces and 94 service bays.

It is anticipated the centre will create 400 jobs with an estimated average salary of £28,000.

Aldi was granted planning permission for a distribution centre in December 2007 as part of the Queenborough and Rushenden regeneration scheme, however, this lapsed which meant a fresh bid needed to be made.

Butterfly Conservation raised concerns at the application stage over the presence of a large colony of the fiery clearwing moth on the site.

The UK charity said it was willing to work with Aldi to ensure suitable mitigation measures are put in place.

The buildings will be coloured various shades of green in an effort to ensure they blend in with the surroundings and prevent bird strikes.

Much of the site is identified by the Environment Agency and as being at risk from tidal waters.

To reduce the threat, the floor level will be raised and a surface water drainage system will circle the entire area.