PLANS to create up to 40 jobs by building a supermarket on a “half-empty” car park are about to come under the spotlight.

Discount giant Lidl UK is staging a public consultation exercise after unveiling proposals to transform a town centre site that used to host a weekly market.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Lidl is proposing to redevelop part of a car park in St John’s Street, Hythe, by building a 2,000 sqm store.

The multi-million-pound scheme will go on display to the public at the United Reformed Church in New Road, Hythe, on September 15 between 10am and 7pm.

Lidl aims to analyse the feedback before submitting a planning application to New Forest District Council in November.

The company’s regional head of property, Jason Gratton, said: “We are extremely excited about the prospect of opening a Lidl in Hythe.

“We look forward to welcoming anyone along to the public consultation day and showcasing our plans whilst answering any questions.”

Meanwhile Churchill Retirement Living has released an artist’s impression of a housing scheme it wants to build on a neighbouring site.

About 36 privately-owned apartments will be constructed on the corner of South Street and St John’s Street if the scheme is given the go-ahead.

The one and two-bedroom flats will replace PC Building Supplies, which is planning to move to larger premises at Hardley Industrial Estate.

Andrew Burgess, Churchill Retirement’s director of planning, said: “There is a real need for private retirement housing in the Hythe area and our proposed development will go some way to increasing access to this type of housing for local residents.

“By meeting this rising demand, we can allow older people to downsize and free up under occupied houses in the local area for families.

“As well as meeting the need for high-quality retirement apartments, the development will bring benefits to the local economy in Hythe.

"Owners will be within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and other amenities, helping to boost the local economy.”

The car park used to host Hythe’s Tuesday market, which has recently moved to the centre of the village.

It used to be owned by the district council but in November last year members of the authority’s ruling cabinet agreed that the site should be sold to Lidl for £2 million.

The scheme will result in the loss of 60 parking spaces although the other 100 will continue to be available to all motorists.

A report to councillors said it was the “least used” car park in Hythe and was “usually half-empty”.