A CONTROVERSIAL supermarket scheme - previously rejected by councillors - will return before Southampton planning chiefs again tonight.

City planning bosses will run the rule over revamped proposals for a new supermarket on Shirley High Street.

It comes after councillors threw out previous plans over fears the supermarket would have a negative impact on neighbouring residents.

But the German discount chain says its new plans, to build on the old police station site off Shirley High Street, feature “positive changes” from its previous application.

These include moving the store away from Mayflower Road – a key reason the application was rejected.

A spokesperson for Lidl said: “We’ve taken on board all comments and feedback regarding the application and, having continued to work closely with the council, have incorporated further positive changes into our proposals.

“These include increased landscaping and tree planting, relocating the store away from Mayflower Road properties, an upgraded design, and the specification of new materials, in keeping with the area.

“We look forward to discussing our application with council members and are hopeful for a positive outcome.”

Lidl’s original plans were thrown out in March by Southampton City Council’s planning committee, which raised fears over the impact the store would have on residents.

One councillor even suggested at the meeting that the new store would look like a “70 metre prison wall” to residents in Mayflower Road, whose gardens back onto the site.

Lidl chiefs said the new store, replacing the retailer’s current Shirley site, would create a “bigger and better” supermarket, as well as an 20 extra jobs.

But five of the six councillors sided with officers, to reject the proposals.

Tonight's planning meeting will be held at Southampton Civic Centre, from 6pm.