A KNUTSFORD supermarket has had plans approved to extend its store, parking spaces and delivery hours.

Aldi, in Brook Street, which has been open since July 2013, submitted plans for the extension in July this year thanks to the store’s popularity.

The site will increase in size by a total of 388 square meters and will include a mezzanine floor and an additional 16 car parking spaces as well as a change in layout to the Brook Street entrance.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “Our Knutsford store is extremely popular with the local community. If approved, our plans to extend it would create a more spacious shopping environment, more car parking spaces, and additional jobs.”

It is unknown how many jobs will be created as a result of the extension, but the company provided the Guardian with information about how members of the public can apply for vacancies.

The application did not attract many comments from members of the public, but those that it did get were from residents of a nearby road.

Sarah McKenna of Branden Drive said: “Houses at the beginning of Branden Drive were not consulted when the trees were removed.

“Residents came home, following assurances by Aldi nothing would be done, to find their rear aspect had become a car park, rather than trees and landscaping. This has caused them untold stress and distress, increased noise levels and dust and significantly reduced privacy and the value of their properties.”

Chris Rodgers, also of Branden Drive, expressed concerns about the impact that the extension will have on the security and privacy of people living nearby.

However, part of the recent planning application submitted by Aldi explained that residents had been taken into consideration with the extension plans.

The document says: ”During and prior to the preparation of the planning application, a number of alternative options and configurations were considered to ensure the final scheme would work for Aldi Stores Ltd, the customers, and also the wider area such as the Knutsford Day Nursery and the residential areas.

“By testing alternative options the optimal increase in floor space was able to be achieved.

"This has involved input from a number of consultants to ensure a scheme which works for not only the operator in terms of practicality, but also one that is not detrimental to the existing building and its site including the wider context.”

In 2012, Aldi escaped a huge fine despite admitting demolishing a row of 300 year-old cottages that were placed on the site.

The cottages – named Caesars Place – were located behind the Brook Street site and consisted of a row of cottages dating from the 18th century.

They were put on a watch list of historical Knutsford buildings in September 2009, but in July 2010 developers working on behalf of the firm demolished the buildings despite not having permission to do so.