Aldi and Lidl are to face the same store-blocking rules as Tesco in a competition watchdog crackdown

The Competition and Markets Authority will classify Aldi, Lidl GB and Lidl NI as 'large grocery retailers', ending their exemption from landblocking curbs. Since 2010 the rules have barred Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and others from using restrictive land deals to keep rivals out of their areas. Aldi holds 10.5% of the grocery market and Lidl 8.6%. Both chains insist their expansion plans will not be affected.

Waitrose and Morrisons welcomed the crackdown on the German discounters.

The CMA's Juliette Enser said the change will 'level the playing field' for shoppers.

Aldi says it is still chasing its long-term ambition of 1,500 UK stores.