Aldi’s bid to build a regional distribution centre on Sheppey has been given the seal of approval by Minster Parish Council.

The local authority’s planning and transportation committee voted at a meeting on Thursday to support the budget supermarket chain’s planning application which was submitted last month.

It supports the proposal due to the employment benefits it would offer – an estimated 400 jobs would be created.

However, the parish council has requested the company considers contributing towards the cost of a footpath and cycle route to connect the site, in Neats Court, Queenborough, with the Thistle Hill estate in Minster.

This, it says, would enable employees to travel safely to and from work while reducing any carbon footprint.

The plans are to be decided upon by Swale council in March.

Aldi representatives gave a presentation to parish councillors last year, outlining the company’s environmental ethos.

Council clerk Trish Codrington said: “Aldi encourages its employees to take part in green schemes such as walking and cycling to work.

“We are very aware of the lack of a footpath along Lower Road and the link to Thistle Hill, the largest and fastest-growing housing development in Kent.

“We want the best for our residents and this would be seen as a major boost to all those who want to walk or cycle to the new site.”