A PLANNING bid to allow Aldi to replace Waitrose as the supermarket in a major Maldon redevelopment is set to be approved tonight.

The Standard revealed exclusively in September how the discount giant had stepped in to anchor Aquila Maldon’s redevelopment of the former Brooks Brothers site after its upmarket rival withdrew.

As a result, Aquila submitted a revised planning application to build a slightly smaller foodstore, five shops including Next and a hotel at the empty site at The Causeway.

Ahead of a meeting of Maldon District Council tonight, officers have recommended the bid is approved.

Maldon business owners were divided on whether the redevelopment would bring more or fewer visitors to the High Street.

Mary Powell, owner of the Emporium, in Maldon High Street, and chairman of Maldon Business Association, said it would give Maldon residents more reason to stay in the town.

She asked: “Why drive ten miles to Chelmsford and back when you can go to the same shop here and then go to the High Street and visit the independent shops?”