Home Bargains is set to double its presence in a Kent district as it takes up residence in a former Aldi supermarket.

The budget retailer now has the go-ahead to sell its products at a base in Boundary Road, Ramsgate.

The firm, which already has a store in Margate, is looking to expand its portfolio in the county.

Aldi upped sticks from its long-standing supermarket in December - moving a short distance over the other side of the road to Hardres Road.

Its former store, which comes with 70 parking spaces, was put on the market for £2.3 million last year.

Now, TJ Morris Ltd - the owner of Home Bargains - has secured permission to change previous planning conditions at the 1.2-acre site.

Previously, the store was restricted to only selling food items, but council officers have now given the go-ahead for a mix of products to be sold.

The decision paves the way for Home Bargains to take on the store and open.

The proposals received no objections, and one supporting comment.

Kate Tedman wrote: "It will be beneficial to the area to have a thriving business on the site and see no detriment in the change to the goods being sold, particularly with Aldi over the road, as this will provide greater variety to local residents."

The planning decision notice issued yesterday states: "The change to the sale of non-food goods would have limited impact upon the surrounding area.

"KCC Highways has raised no concerns, as a non-food goods unit is likely to generate less vehicle movements than a food goods unit, so the impact upon highway safety is considered to be acceptable.

"No external changes are proposed, so the impact upon the character and appearance of the area.

"There will be limited impact upon neighbouring residential properties."