Aldi has cleared a major hurdle as part of its plans to open a new store in the Gorbals.

The German supermarket giant was given permission to sell booze from its outlet at the Crown Street Retail Park when it opens in 2020.

That’s despite concerns being raised by health bosses over the impact alcohol sales could have on the community.

Police Scotland highlighted crime rates in the area, which showed that there were 22 common assaults, 11 misuse of drugs incidents, six assaults on cops and three knife possession incidents.

And they questioned Aldi’s practices after the company was fined £100,000 in 2016 when an unsecured smoking shelter struck and injured an employee in Darlington after being blown in the wind.

Elena Smith, representing Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We note that alcohol is a very small part of Aldi’s offering but there is capacity for further alcohol outlets to be created within this area.

“We welcome the redevelopment of this site but it’s safe to say there is a substantial alcohol-related harm risk in this area.”

Aldi said alcohol would account for only eight per cent of its total offering at the new store.

And Caroline Loudon, appearing in from of the Licensing Board on behalf of the supermarket, insisted there would be no repeat of the health and safety breach in Darlington.

She branded that incident as “inexcusable” and claimed the company operated a strict alcohol policy.

Ms Loudon added: “Our alcohol training goes way beyond what’s required. Everyone employed in this store must complete this training and pass an exam.

“We don’t sell caffeinated wines or alcohol. There are no self-service tills so everyone’s being monitored coming out.”

Aldi is one of several high-profile chains to have signed pre-let agreements to operate from the Crown Street Retail Park.

There are plans to develop around 360 homes with B&M, Iceland Food Warehouse, Costa Coffee and Burger King all having agreed deals to operate on the site, which runs along Crown Street and Cathcart Road.

Formerly the Dixons Iron Foundry, the site was then taken over by Castle Cash and Carry and has been the subject of various planning applications over the years.

Development work on the site began last week.