Sainsbury’s has sensationally revealed it is pulling out of plans to open a new store in Herne Bay - just weeks before its construction is complete.

Developers Urban and Civic is set to hand over the 100,000 sq ft building on the Altira Business Park to the supermarket giant in May.

But its future is now unclear after Sainsbury’s today confirmed it is pulling the plug on the new megastore – for the time being, at least.

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A spokesman told KentOnline's sister paper the Herne Bay Gazette: “Following a review, we have taken the difficult decision not to open our new store in Herne Bay at this present time.

“Since we first announced our proposals, the retail market has changed considerably and our current plans are no longer viable.

“We are considering our options for the building and will keep the community informed.”

VIDEO: Herne Bay reacts to loss of giant Sainsbury's supermarket

A petrol station also formed part of the plans, but will also not open.

It is unclear what the decision means for £2.2m of planned improvements to Herne Bay town centre, which were to be funded by developers Urban and Civic.

Council leader Simon Cook learned of the U-turn this morning.

He said: “"It's obviously very disappointing and I know a lot of people in Herne Bay were looking forward to it.

"We are still having to think about what it means in terms of other issues.

"It's a real shame because I have talked to many of my colleagues and they have said how much residents were looking forward to it.

"In terms of the section 106, the officers are still looking to see what it actually means.

"It would have been a great asset, but we can't make people open shops.

"As for what it means for the wider regeneration, we would have to have a look, but Herne Bay is not all about Sainsbury's."