A BIGGER and better Aldi supermarket is set to be built just around the corner from the current store.

It is proposed to move Aldi, Eastern Avenue, Southend to Priory Close as part of a new large estate.

If permission is granted the store would be with the Ekco Park homes development near The Saxon King pub and a multimillion pound new adult hospice.

A spokesman for Aldi said: “There is no room to further extend the current store, due to the constraints of the neighbouring sewerage treatment works and road network which surround the site, so we would like to build a replacement nearby.”

The new store would be 1,254sqm, about the same as 12 tennis courts.

It is around 20 per cent bigger than the existing Aldi.

New jobs will be created but the number have not been revealed.

There will also be 97 car parking spaces created for shoppers.

The news of a bigger and better store still serving the community has been welcomed.

Brian Ayling, independent councillor for the area, said he is pleased.

He said: “The current car park at the existing site is far too small for the amount of business the supermarket does.

“I have no objection to this at all, I think it is a successful business and I live close by.

“I know the store is popular and people do tell me they are pleased with the store.

“I do not think it would cause any issues with the Ekco Park new homes as it is so close and people would find it convenient.”

James Courtenay, Tory councillor for growth on Southend Council, said he supports businesses expanding in the town.

He said: “The council will review any plans put forward and make a decision.

“Employment opportunities and businesses booming are always good for the town.

“We have a good wide range of supermarkets in Southend.

“There are not many places people live that are too far from a shop.

“I think it’s good we have competition and choice for shoppers in Southend.”

Aldi has been trading in Eastern Avenue for more than 20 years.

The store has put up a display with information for shoppers.

The new supermarket promises more space, wider aisles, more choice, better lighting, modern displays and improved parking facilities.

It will be next to the new development by Bellway Homes for a 231 home estate in Priory Crescent.

Building is well underway and many of the homes are already being sold.

It will also be near to the new Havens Hospices building for adults costing about £16million in the same road.

In February the Echo reported the superstore chain was looking at nine other sites in Essex as the firm looks to expand in Essex.

According to their website, they are asking developers to discuss potential opportunities to open up stores in a variety of areas across the south of the county which they say they are “actively looking for sites”.

These locations included: Leigh, Rayleigh and Southend.

The chain has proved popular due to pricing and ease as well as a growing range of products.

No planning application has been submitted yet with customers consulted first.