LIDL has refused to be drawn on the future of its plans for a new store in Southampton – with civic chiefs set to reject the proposals.

The supermarket giant said it is “disappointed” that city planning bosses have recommended its plans, for Shirley High Street, be refused.

But a spokesman for Lidl said the company would “rather not speculate” on its next steps, should the proposals be rebuffed at a meeting on Tuesday.

City planning bosses have recommended the proposals are rejected over fears the new store will cause “harm” to the lives of neighbouring residents.

They have described the design for the site, formerly occupied by Shirley Police Station, as “oppressive and overbearing”.

Planning chiefs also say the proposals should be rejected over the lack of an infrastructure deal between Lidl and the council – known as a section 106 agreement.

If plans are rejected, it will be the second time Lidl has suffered a setback over proposals for the site.

The German retail giant withdrew its original plans, submitted in August last year, after residents rallied against the proposals.

One of the major concerns was the loss of a Yew tree, which Lidl proposed to chop down as part of plans for the new supermarket.

But after a campaign, led by Millbrook resident Steve Galton, Lidl decided to amend the plans – and save the yew tree.

A spokesman for Lidl said: “Following feedback from both the council and the community, a number of positive changes were incorporated into our store plans, including retention of the yew tree, adjustments to reduce the store width and floor level, and a substantial highway improvement package covering Shirley Road and Villiers Road.

“We are therefore naturally disappointed by the council’s recommendation (to reject the plans).”

Lidl’s plans for the new supermarket include the closure of the current store on Shirley High Street.

It is expected that the move would have created up to 20 new jobs.

A spokesman for Lidl added: “It is our strong belief that our plans for a new store will be of enormous benefit to the local community.

“Not only would the new store enhance the shopping experience and create new jobs for the community, it will secure long term investment in Shirley for years to come.”

The news comes as Lidl announced plans to build a new store on land off The Avenue.

The German retailer plans to demolish a car showroom on Banister Road.

The current occupiers, Inchcape Land Rover Jaguar, are set to move to the former Ford site in Swaythling.

Plans for the 2,125sqm store, with 130 parking spaces, were put on display at a public consultation this week.