PLANS to relocate and expand a supermarket have been recommended for approval by planning bosses.

Proposals to move the Aldi store, currently in Eastern Avenue, Southend, around the corner to Priory Close are expected to be granted permission.

The store would be part of the Ekco Park homes development near The Saxon King pub and the multimillion pound new adult hospice by Havens.

Planning officer Charlotte White reported that the size, scale and site of the planned development would not be detrimental to the area and therefore determined it should be approved subject to a number of conditions.

She said: “The size, scale and height of the development is acceptable and would not be materially out of keeping in the area.

“The car park will be significantly screened by landscaping with ornamental hedge planting on the boundary.”

Some residents are concerned about the potential for increased traffic in the area.

Eastwood resident Paul Collins said: “There will be a forced left turn out of the store and a protected right hand turn into the store within Priory Crescent.

“I am concerned about the extra traffic over the road bridge to cope with this development.”

However, the report states: “Traffic assessments and junction capacity tests conclude the net traffic effect of the plans will be modest and the development is not expected to materially affect local road safety.”

The new store would be 1,254sqm, about the same as 12 tennis courts and is around 20 per cent bigger than the existing Aldi.

New jobs will be created but the number has not been revealed and there will also be 97 car parking spaces created. The new supermarket promises more space, wider aisles, more choice, better lighting and modern displays. 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 have been sold.