Aldi has stated its intent to build and open a new store in Coventry despite Sutton Park Group currently occupying the space with its multi-franchise dealership.

Aldi said it is yet to submit a planning application for the location on Shultern Lane which currently houses Sutton Park Group’s Renault, Kia and Fiat franchises, but is in early negotiations with the landlord to demolish the showroom.

A statement on the Sutton Park Group website reads: “We wish to reassure both our loyal staff and customers that as the current tenant of the site at Shultern Lane in Coventry, we are surprised by this report.

“In accordance with our legal right to renew our lease, we have been in advanced negotiations with the landlord to do so and therefore find the plans somewhat confusing.

“We feel that the announcement by Aldi is premature as they have acknowledged that plans are still at an early stage and that a planning application has yet to be submitted.

“With the Tesco store adjacent to the site there is no guarantee that consent will be granted."