The budget supermarket chain Aldi has been given approval to build a multi-million-pound store in Stockton.

The white-knuckle checkout experience and famed central aisle of random dreams will be heading to Portrack Lane, Stockton, where Aldi has been given planning permission to build its new shop. The retailer plans to build a 1,867sqm unit on a derelict plot opposite an Asda Superstore.

It will be allowed to open between 8am and 10pm Monday to Saturday including bank holidays, and for six hours between 10am to 6pm Sundays. No construction, site preparation or deliveries are allowed before 8am or after 6pm on weekdays, before 8.30am or after 1pm on Saturdays, or at any time on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

The plan drew two comments, both in support, according to the council officer’s report. One Billingham resident remarked: “Hopefully this store will be allowed as Aldi shops are in my opinion good for shopping centres etc due to the products etc that they supply which also creates a healthy competition with other retailers in the area.”

Aldi said it held consultation with a social media campaign reaching more than 42,000 people, with 84% of respondents showing support. It said the new store would divert trade from other shops but maintained town centres’ and other stores’ viability would not be harmed.

The council’s report says: “It is accepted that the provision of a new food store would offer both economic and social benefits through the investment value in constructing the store, increased consumer choice and associated job creation. The proposed development is considered to be in a suitable location and of an appropriate scale and design for the area. The proposal is also not considered to pose any significant risks to highway safety, flood risk or ecology.”

It was said to be in-keeping with other shops and highways officers did not object, saying “it cannot be demonstrated that the proposals would have a severe impact” on the roads. A small number of trees and scrub areas will be removed to build the shop on previously developed land in the Portrack Retail Park with a new ramped access.

Aldi says it will invest £5m into the local economy with up to 40 new full and part-time jobs at the shop and more during its construction and in the supply chain. It has promised a site with a “modern, contemporary style” with a 1,315sqm sales area and a 112-bay car park including four electric vehicle charging spaces, nine parent and child bays and seven accessible bays.

The planning application stated the Portrack Lane site “has not contributed economically for 22 years whilst laying derelict” and the arrival of a new Aldi store would contribute to the area’s economy. KLR Planning, who submitted the report on behalf of Aldi, said: “As the cost of living crisis is being keenly felt and food prices are soaring, Aldi stores offer a range of high quality, exclusive own label groceries at heavily discounted prices. This is of benefit to the community, providing the choice to shop for value for money.”

When Aldi announced the plans for the new store last July, a spokesman said: “We’re delighted to announce our plans to develop a new food store on land off Portrack Lane, and we look forward to being part of the community. The site is perfect for this type of development and is currently surrounded by other retail outlets. Our store will also create new employment opportunities for local people.”

The plan was approved with conditions covering issues like assessments for contaminated land, flooding and drainage, travel and construction plans, energy, ecology, bins and lighting. The development must start within three years of planning permission being granted.