A DISCOUNT supermarket giant has submitted its plans to open a new store just 100 metres from a rival chain.

Aldi have filed their proposals to build on land off Caird Avenue in New Milton – directly opposite the established Tesco superstore.

The development is planned for a section of ground to the western edge of the New Milton Sand & Ballast site.

As previously reported, the German-based chain were keen to progress their plans "as soon as possible" after it came to light in March that they had been in talks with New Milton Sand & Ballast.

A design and access statement submitted on behalf of Aldi by Kendall Kingscott said the site “offers a prime opportunity for development with desirable connections from Caird Avenue and the A337”.

Discussing the benefits of the development, the statement says: “A chance to make use of an undeveloped but allocated plot and help maintain continued investment and jobs within the local area.

“The provision of a discount food retail outlet will provide a valuable service to the local community.”

If approved, a store with a retail floor area of 1,315 metres squared would be built, with 127 customer car parking spaces, five spaces for disabled users, nine parent and child designated spaces, two electrical vehicle charging spaces and five Sheffield hoops for up to 10 bicycles to use. Opening hours of 8am to 10pm on Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday are outlined in the application.

The majority of the proposed site is an undeveloped green field, while the north section of the plot is currently used for vehicle storage on the quarry site. The store will need a new access road and it is estimated that it will create 30 new jobs. Aldi launched in the UK in 1990 and now has more than 700 stores across the UK and Ireland.