DEVELOPERS behind a bid to build a new supermarket in Maldon have been told to submit an archaeological report.

Aldi is set to come to the town when the former Brooks Brothers site in the Causeway is redeveloped.

Developer Aquila applied to Maldon District Council to alter its planning permission in September after original retailer Waitrose pulled out.

The council’s archaeological team has now said no development can take place until a report has been prepared to outline the archaeological significance of the site.

A report said: “The proposed development site is sited in the midst of a number of known sites of archaeological interest.

“It is situated on the interface between the dryland and the marsh, to the south of the Late Iron Age and Roman settlement at Elms Farm.

“The location is one that attracted industrial activity, particularly that associated with the salt-making industry, in that period.”

The report said any approved development should be preceded by programme of archaeological investigation.

Maldon District Council will have the final say on the plans.