An equestrian charity has objected to plans for a new Aldi store in Ashford over fears it might spook horses on a nearby bridleway.

The supermarket giant wants to build the town’s second store at Waterbrook Park, near the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, off the A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road.

However, the land is currently split by a bridleway that needs to be moved to make way for the store.

Bosses want to divert the public right of way so it runs alongside a new road and cuts across the front of the store.

But the British Horse Society (BHS) says these changes would be dangerous and the risk to horses and drivers ‘should not be underestimated’.

Sarah Rayfield, the charity's access field officer, said: “The British Horse Society has objected to plans for a new Aldi store in Ashford over fears it might spook horses on a nearby bridleway.

“The proposals for this diversion have been strongly objected to by the BHS and we, together with KCC Public Rights of Way, have met with the agent and explained the reason for our concern and objection and mooted options which they have thus far failed to properly consider.

“Consequently, an acceptable alignment which would be supported by both BHS and the council has not yet been agreed.

“The applicant’s current proposal is that the bridleway will run parallel to the entrance road to the store with ingress and egress for customer vehicles as well as delivery vehicles crossing the bridleway.

“As this site is near a main road and in an urban area, it is likely that customers (and delivery drivers) arriving at, and leaving from the site, will not anticipate a horse as they swing into or out of the car park or delivery area over the proposed course of the diverted bridleway.

“The potential for injury to these customers, delivery drivers, equestrians and their horses is not to be underestimated.

“In the event that an alignment which is safe for users of the bridleway is agreed with BHS and KCC then it is likely that this objection would be removed.”

Aldi’s plans are one of a number of projects earmarked for Waterbrook Park, with Amazon linked to opening a huge distribution centre, and KFC primed to open its fourth Ashford restaurant.

The land is not far from the Orbital Park roundabout and the post-Brexit lorry park in Sevington.

In a letter, Faye Faiers, east Kent area officer public rights of way and access service at Kent County Council, said: “This department does not support the proposed diversion route as currently presented and I am aware of at least one objection from a user group.

“While I do not have grounds to object to this planning application as it does not directly affect the existing legal alignment of the path, I would remind the applicant there is a legal process to be completed to divert any public right of way and successful completion of the process must not be assumed.”

In response, supermarket bosses say they have taken all possible measures to ensure the new route is safe.

An Aldi spokesman said: “The proposed new Aldi foodstore will represent a multi-million pound investment in the borough and ensure that existing and future residents of Waterbrook and Finberry have an accessible and affordable foodstore.

“The application comprises a reserved matters application in accordance with the wider approved outline permission.

“In order to deliver this development, it is necessary to divert the existing bridleway.

“A survey of the existing usage of the bridleway has been undertaken and all options explored for its diversion.

"The proposed bridleway diversion will be built to current specification, providing a bridleway that is wide enough for two horses, fenced, and provides a surface suitable for horses.

“The bridleway will be clearly demarcated where it crosses the Aldi entrance and, in addition, signage will be prominently displayed, making it safe for its users.

“The proposed bridleway diversion will have a good level of natural surveillance which is important for the pedestrians and cyclists that will use this to access the store and wider commercial area.”

If approved, the new supermarket will create 50 new jobs and have 130 parking spaces, including eight accessible and 10 family bays, and four electric vehicle charging points.

The German food giant has also launched a second consultation on its plans to build a third store in Kennington, but residents have expressed concerns over issues it will cause for motorists.

Feelings are so strong that signs were put up to protest against the proposal along the A28 Canterbury Road.