A COST-CUTTING supermarket chain has won full backing for a new store in a Hampshire town.

Supermarket Lidl wants to build a new store on the former Olympian Garage site in New Milton.

More than 70 members of the public packed into the town council chamber to hear the scheme at Barton Court Crossroads get the authority’s backing.

The revised scheme for the site replaces a sheltered accommodation project from McCarthy and Stone.

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Barton councillors Goff Beck and Margaret Lloyds gave Lidl, which has held two public consultation meetings, their backing.

Cllr Lloyds said it was a commercial site waiting for new life to be breathed into it.

“I think Lidl has bent over backwards to address previous criticisms, and their deep involvement in public consultation is to be admired,” she said.

“I fully welcome this latest proposal as a breath of fresh air. It will be a huge asset to New Milton and benefit our community.”

Cllr Beck said he had only heard from one person opposed to the plans. In addition, the shop would replace those lost in Barton and would provide a welcome element of competition in the town.

“There’s always been some transport movements around there for the past 50 or 60 years, so that’s no problem,” he said.

Lidl’s spokesman Jason Gratton said: “We now look forward to taking it forward to the full New Forest District Council planning committee where we would hope that the thoughts and wishes of New Milton residents and councillors will be endorsed.”

Lidl owns the land and, assuming the plans are passed by the district council in January, expects to be “on-site in late spring or early summer with a view to opening by the end of the year”, Mr Gratton said.

Town council planners said the scheme was “acceptable” and the store would bring additional choice plus five new full-time and 35 part-time jobs.