PROPOSALS for a new supermarket, creating 40 jobs, have been given the go-ahead – despite 90 objections.

The new 2,476sqm Lidl store will be built in Whiteley following approval by Winchester City Council’s planning committee.

It will be be sited on scrubland off Rookery Avenue, alongside a 122-space car park, with work expected to be completed in early 2019.

However, as previously reported, concerns have been raised about traffic congestion around the site, near junction nine of the M27.

Speaking last year when plans were submitted, Fareham Borough Council leader and director of Solent Local Enterprise Partnership Sean Woodward said he was in favour of the new store “in principle” as it would provide “shopping diversity” in the area, but expressed concerns over traffic.

A number of committee members also expressed concern about traffic and the regular tailbacks on and around junction 9.

Whiteley Town Council chairman Cllr Mike Evans said: “This was rejected by the town council on highways grounds. Traffic studies have found the road network to be inadequate.”

He called for the committee to defer its decision until improvements had been made to the

roads.

It was heard that works to improve the local network could begin in 2019, as part of the wider £20million junction nine improvement scheme, with Lidl making a £200,000 contribution.

The committee also heard that supermarket giant Tesco, objected to the application, arguing it would “have a significant adverse impact” on other businesses in Whiteley.

Lidl’s regional head of property James Mitchell said: “Not only will the new store significantly improve shopping choice in the area through our unique high-quality-low-price combination, it will create up to 40 new jobs in the community.”