SUPERMARKET chain Aldi has re-entered its plans for a new superstore in Ely, just yards from where the new Sainsbury’s supermarket is taking shape.

The German retail giant was originally granted permission for a new store back in 2008 but left the brownfield site on Lisle Lane untouched while rival Sainsbury’s opted to move on to the site of the old Ely Chemical Company across the road.

Now, in response to Sainsbury’s plans, Aldi has altered the makeup of its original plans to increase the amount of floor space dedicated to its food sales operation, while scrapping plans for a link road that would join Lisle Lane to The Vineyards.

In its submission, Aldi told councillor planners: “It is hoped that the proposed development will dramatically improve the character of the area and the way it functions within the city, improving the quality of the local built environment and helping to revitalise and rejuvenate the site and surroundings.”

According to its submission, Aldi will shelve plans for a non-food retail unit on the site to concentrate purely on food, while also dropping a requirement to build a link road for residents linking the city centre with Lisle Lane.

Extensive tree planting and landscaping has also been included in the new plans to shield the store, which will have 85 parking bays, from nearby houses and the street.

A spokesman for Aldi said: “Aldi is firmly committed to developing a discount food store in Lisle Lane, Ely.

“We have been in discussion with the local planning authority to amend previous plans and have submitted a revised planning application.

“On receiving consent we will start work as soon as possible, and we hope to be in a position to open the new store in the near future.”

A decision on the new plans is expected within the next three months.