An area of England has been earmarked for a new Costco wholesaler as the US chain becomes popular amongst British shoppers. Costco is an American members-only wholesaler that many Brits have taken advantage of, with stores already located in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Sheffield, Milton Keynes, Birmingham and more. A possible location for another one has been revealed, and a public consultation has been launched.

Locals in Aylesford, Kent, have been asked to share their thoughts on the wholesaler being built on a plot of land next to the M20 in 2028. The plans would see a new warehouse and petrol filling station off Coldharbour Lane. It is expected to span an impressive 13,000 square metres and create 250 local jobs. It follows reports in 2023 that the chain was considering opening in either Maidstone or Medway.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Before applying to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for planning permission, we'd like to present our proposal to the local community and provide an opportunity for residents and businesses to provide feedback.

"We've invited the neighbours of our proposed site to the public exhibition, and we hope that people from across the area will visit our consultation website."

A public exhibition will take place on Tuesday, April 28, between 2pm and 7pm at Capel Morris, RBVE Village in Hall Road, where people can share their thoughts. Additionally, online consultation will launch on May 31.

The company added: "We will shortly be consulting on our plans to build Kent's first Costco Wholesale warehouse club on a vacant plot of land just south of Junction 5 of the M20.

"We are keen to hear your views as part of our community engagement."

Meanwhile, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) leader Matt Boughton commented: "Costco are hosting an exhibition to hear your thoughts on a new warehouse in Aylesford.

"The site they have identified is west of the Coldharbour roundabout at Junction 5 of the M20, where the site compound was for the recent road widening."

Its current closest store is located in Lakeside, Essex.