ALDI is looking to open a brand new supermarket less than a mile down the road from an existing supermarket.
The German discount store could soon be building an entirely new supermarket in the old Parvalux business site along Wallisdown Road, at one end of the wide cycle lanes.
However there is already an Aldi supermarket around half a mile down the road at Wallisdown Roundabout.
Clark Group, the owner of the site, said it is preparing to submit a planning application to redevelop the site and could include a new drive-thru coffee shop.
A statement from the group said: “Since Parvalux left, moving to premises in Poole, the site has remained vacant.
“Given its prominent location along the main road, next to the existing retail and business area, as well as proximity to existing homes, it is a convenient and logical location for a new food store.
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“The proposals are being prepared by Clark Group, but the new store has been specifically designed for Aldi’s operational needs.”
A spokeswoman for Clarks Group said: "Whilst Aldi has an existing store further along Wallisdown Road, Clark Group understands that Aldi has been looking at ways to improve their offer in Wallisdown, but with the existing site constrained, this has proved difficult.
"Clark Group has therefore drawn up plans that will allow Aldi to improve their offer with a new, bigger, up-to-date store, whilst still serving the same catchment area.
"Clark Group is keen to hear feedback from the local community on the proposals for the site, prior to submitting a planning application.”
Aldi has been approached for a comment.
The scheme is expected to deliver between 40 and 60 jobs and would be a “regeneration” of existing brownfield land, according to Clark Group.
It adds that it wants to hear the feedback of residents before it submits a formal planning application to BCP Council.
Wallisdown Road is often referred to as one of the busiest roads in Dorset, with heavy tailbacks throughout the whole day.
Parvalux moved its headquarters to Wallisdown Road in 1961 before settling in a new home in Cabot Lane, Poole, last year.
Meanwhile another Aldi planning application just a mile away in Alder Road is expected to come back before the council.
Bosses at the supermarket said they were “frustrated” that its plans to build on an old and disused industrial estate were rejected last April.
Most councillors opposed the proposals “reluctantly” after it was said the applicant had failed to provide enough evidence of marketing the site.
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