It is the second time in months the supermarket has been approved in Muswellbrook, but this time the application received a unanimous vote from councillors.

Aldi initially proposed to construct a supermarket on the corner of Bridge and Wilkins streets, which attracted a raft of conditions when approved by council last December.

One of the major concerns of the previous site indicated by council was traffic flow and access to the supermarket, but the new location poses none of these problems.

Aldi will partially demolish the old Bi-Lo complex and fit out the building to the chain’s specifications and reconfigure the carpark to include 128 car parking spaces and three disabled spaces.

The existing driveways on Wollybutt Way will be closed and replaced with a new shared driveway for use of delivery and customer vehicles.

The existing vehicular entry point off Rutherford Road and the existing pedestrian linkages along Rutherford Road will be retained.

The new store application received the nod of approval from resident John Shewan who said he welcomed Aldi to town, during public participation at the council meeting.

“Aldi will offer competition and subsequently lower prices and for those of us who are not in the coal industry this would be a great help,” he said.

When the application came up for discussion there was little debate over the matter with only lighting questions arising.

Cr Gary Serhan sought confirmation the lighting would be sufficient.

Director of environmental services, Chris Gidney said Aldi would be required to install suitable lighting throughout the carpark to improve the level of safety for customers and staff after daylight hours.

“It is important to maintain safety of the patrons who come and go from the site,” he said.

Council approved the new supermarket to operate between 7am and 10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 8pm Sundays and public holidays.