Plans submitted for new food Lidl supermarket in Whiteley

The proposals for the supermarket in Whiteley would create 40 jobs and would be built on land off Solent Way.

It would also include 121 parking spaces and an in-house bakery.

The land targeted for the development is currently overgrown with vegetation and remains undeveloped.

A statement from Lidl in the application said: ‘The new Lidl store will provide the Whiteley and Swanwick areas with low-cost food products, to meet both their main food and top-up shopping needs.

‘The site is arranged to provide safe, direct and convenient pedestrian access and will be within walking distance of many existing dwellings.

‘The proposed use of the site will provide appropriate inclusive access for a variety of different users and the proposal will add to the current mix of uses within the area helping to create a sustainable community.’

The proposed store has led to fears that it could add to the traffic congestion in the area, given its close proximity to Junction 9 of the M27.

Patrick Moore, who lives in Locks Heath, previously said: ‘Lidl needs to make sure it addresses traffic problems.’