A NEW Lidl may be opening in Eastleigh if plans are approved.

An application has been put in for a new supermarket on Stoneham Lane.

The development would cover more than 1.5 acres of land near the North Stoneham Park estate.

It is part of the wider North Stoneham Park development.

If approved, the site will see a Lidl bakery, customer toilets, and longer style tills in a 1,198 square metre store.

There will also be 88 car parking spaces, including disabled spaces, electric vehicle charging, parent and child, as well as cycle spaces.

It is expected to create 40 new jobs.

The budget supermarket chain ran a community consultation before submitting the plans to Eastleigh Borough Council.

There was a project website and individual letters sent out to homes and businesses in the area.

At least 1020 people gave their views on the plans to Lidl in the process, and 83 per cent of these were in support of the plans, according to planning application documents.

But not everyone is happy with the plans, with 13 per cent objecting to the new store.

The main issues brought up in Lidl's consultation were highways and traffic issues, the loss of open space, and the need for a new food store.

Resident Gareth Marsh told the Echo that the new store would be located next to a primary school.

Stoneham Park Academy is a new primary academy on Whieldon Way, the road from which the new store would be accessed.

Gareth raised concerns about the wellbeing of children. He said: "This seems to be gaining approval yet how is this going to keep children safe when going to school?"

He added that there are many other supermarkets in the area.

"I’m truly shocked that this is even being considered, seeing how we in the Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford area have loads of supermarkets to choose from all within easy reach, even without a car," he said.

The application was made to the council on August 30.

The plans are currently open for consultation until October 7, with a decision to be made by November 29.

The project website will remain live throughout the process, at eastleighstonehamlane.expansion.lidl.co.uk

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