DISCOUNT supermarket chain Aldi wants to build a bigger store in an East Lancashire town - across the road from an Asda.

The German firm wants to shut its 'out-of-date' branch in Argyle Street, Accrington, and replace it with a larger, modern one on vacant land in Hyndburn Road.

The 1.5 acre site between Steiner Street, Portland Street and Fredrick Street is just 150 yards from the town's Asda store, a chain recently bought by Blackburn's Issa brothers.

It is also a few hundred yards from a large Lidl store - Aldi's main cut-price supermarket competitor.

The land has been empty for some years after old terraced houses were cleared and has subject to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

If approved the 1,300-square metre landscaped development will safeguard existing jobs at the Argyle Street store and create 10 to 15 new ones.

There would be a new junction onto Hyndburn Road capable of use by heavy lorries.

News of the planning application to Hyndburn Council by Barnfield Investments on behalf of the chain has been welcomed by borough leader Cllr Miles Parkinson who said: "It will keep Asda on its toes."

He said: "This is good news. It is gateway site subject to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

"It is a vote of confidence in Accrington and the borough and should prove very popular."

The planning statement by Brierfield-based Barnfield in support of the application says: "Aldi has an existing store on Argyle Street which is now beyond its economic life and no longer fit for purpose.

"Aldi has a long-standing requirement to replace its store with a newly formatted and larger premises to meet an identified need for discount food retail in the town.

"The Argyle Street site is to be closed with the opening of the new Hyndburn Road premises.

"The proposal offers significant regenerative benefits on the main arterial route into Accrington; on a site blighted by anti-social behaviour and fly tipping.

"This proposed development does not represent additional challenge to the shops and services of Accrington, but simply revitalises the already established Aldi offering in a modern and refreshed format.

"The new store would support the retention of the existing staff and lead to the creation of between 10 and 15 new jobs.

"The catchment for the new store is localised and will serve Accrington.

"The site occupies a prominent ‘gateway’ location along Hyndburn Road, which is the main road into Accrington from the M65. Currently, it is the subject of ongoing anti-social behaviour.

"The proposed development would therefore have the advantage of providing much needed regenerative benefits on the principal route into Accrington.

"The site is brownfield having had a number of now demolished terraced properties located on it.

"The backdrop to this application is one of policy support for economic growth at a time of great challenge.

"The site, on the fringe of Accrington town centre, constitutes a prominent and visible roadside location that has a high-volume of passing traffic.

"The development proposal will provide a contemporary building design that will be complementary to the visual character of the surrounding area on a principal route into Accrington."

Cllr Marlene Haworth, leader of Hyndburn Council's opposition group said: "If it is using a site blighted by fly-tipping it must be good news. But what will happen to the site of the existing store in Argyle Street?"