​Plans to knock down a discount supermarket’s town centre store and build a new one on the same site have been submitted to Swale council.

Aldi wants to expand its East Street branch by demolishing the existing structure and replacing it with a more modern building and extra car parking. The German-owned firm’s proposal would see the store increase in size to 1,230 square metres. It is currently 1,040 sq m.

It will also have 113 parking spaces, including five disabled bays, five staff spaces and 10 parent and child bays, compared to the existing 75 spaces.

The international chain, which has had a shop in Sittingbourne for more than two decades, says its new store has been designed with “functionality combined with high quality materials”.

It would have glazing on the front and side with grey metallic cladding in other areas, wider aisles and would be able to accommodate a larger product range.

Access would still be from St Michael’s Road, with pedestrian access from East Street.

In a planning statement, Aldi said: “Our proposals strive to produce a design which does not try to replicate existing buildings or styles but is a more innovative and distinctive design of a high standard, making a positive contribution to the visual quality of the environment, as well as regenerating the site with a development that fits both visually and functionally into the surroundings.

“The modern aesthetic of the proposed store will uplift the area without visually conflicting with the more traditional architecture nearby.” Aldi confirmed the expansion had been enabled by the purchase of two parcels of land next door.

A spokesman said: “Following the acquisition of two adjacent parcels of land, the proposal seeks to utilise the space for parking and pedestrian access.”

He added that the the land behind the Swale Martial Arts hall was “currently used by fly tippers” and the proposal “seeks to use this area for car parking, therefore discouraging this behaviour”.

To view or comment on the plans, go to Swale council's planning page and search for 18/504085/FULL.