A supertore has been given permission to replace a garage and provide competition for market leaders Tesco.

Brighton and Hove City Council has granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Chandlers BMW garage site in Carlton Terrace, Portslade.

The site and a neighbouring one, 200yds away from the Tesco store in Station Road, have become available because Chandlers BMW are relocating to Victoria Road.

Aldi applied for a food store, a second shop and 14 flats on the site, plus parking for more than 60 cars.

The homes will be low-cost and run by a housing association.

The supermarket firm said the proposal will add to the viability and vitality of Portslade as a shopping centre.

But neighbours argued there would be congestion in the area, especially when the gates are down on the nearby Portslade level crossing.

Part of a previous agreement for relocating Chandlers was that the firm provided ten low-cost houses on the old site.

Monday May 24, 2004