A £1.5m supermarket development could transform a rundown area of Braintree if it gets the green light.

German firm Aldi wants to regenerate a derelict 1,250sqm site on the corner of Railway Street and Rose Hill.

The store will create around 15 new jobs when it opens, and spin-off work for the construction industry while it is being built.

Architects have already submitted plans for the supermarket to Braintree Council.

The store would be served by a new road from Railway Street to a free car park at the the rear of the new building.

There would be spaces for almost 100 cars, with Aldi bosses predicting up to 950 vehicles a day.

Existing derelict buildings on the wasteland site will be demolished if planning permission gets the go-ahead.

The company says the project is a major vote of confidence in the town and will be of considerable benefit to Braintree and a major improvement to the existing amenities.

No-one from Aldi was available to comment on the scheme but the planning application states: "Aldi believe there is a large demand for an economic grocery store in Braintree. It will also provide a number of well-paid jobs in the area."

The company boasts it offers "unrivalled value for money".

Its stores are basic and overheads are kept low so goods can be discounted.

Aldi offers just 550 product lines compared to Tesco and Sainsbury which average an estimated 14,000-15,000 items.

As well as own-label goods it sells a limited range of alcoholic drinks and groceries.

Braintree Council will meet to decide whether to give the supermarket planning permission at a later date.

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