Lidl has revealed plans for a new supermarket on a two acre site on the outskirts of Ashby.

The nationwide budget store announced almost two years ago that it had targeted a move in to the town - and has picked a site in Resolution Road, next door to Tesco.

The proposed Ashby development forms part of the discounter's ambitious plans to have 1,000 stores in its portfolio by the end of 2023.

Lidl has made a planning application to North West Leicestershire District Council. Photo: Dreamstime

An Environmental Impact Assessment 'screening opinion' application made to North West Leicestershire District Council earlier this month says it intends to develop a site in Resolution Road, currently occupied by Ashfield House - which would be demolished if planning permission is granted.

However, the council responded that the plan 'falls below the threshold needed for an EIA'.

That leaves the way clear for Lidl to submit a formal planning application to go ahead with constructing the new store.

But its chosen site - with 106 parking spaces planned - is not only next to Tesco - but also a few hundred yards from the Aldi supermarket in Dents Road.

A covering letter with the application says: 'The proposed development site, which measures approximately 2.3 acres, is located to the north-west of Nottingham Road (B1426) and the west of Resolution Road.

"The vehicular access to the site is off a roundabout along Resolution Road, to the west. The character of the immediate area incorporates a mixture of residential (to the west), retail (to the north-east and south) and industrial (to the north-west).

"It is intended that a planning application will be submitted for the demolition of the existing building and erection of new development, comprising a discount foodstore, with car parking and landscaping at Ashfield House, Resolution Road.

"The proposed development comprises a discount foodstore with a total of 106 car parking spaces - including six disabled spaces, 12 Parent and Child spaces and two electric vehicle charging (EVC) spaces. "The proposed development will also include cycle provision.

Plans submitted to the council show the Lidl site would be next door to Tesco. Image: North West Leicestershire District Council

"Access to the site will be taken from Resolution Road. It is proposed that the Lidl foodstore will open from: 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday (including Bank Holidays); and 10am to 4pm Sunday.

"The foodstore would typically receive a maximum of two deliveries per day. All store waste will be stored internally within the warehouse area and will be collected by the delivery vehicle, minimising HGV movements within the site and surrounding area."

The agents acting for Lidl say the development would merge into the surrounding area.

The covering letter adds: "It is considered that the development - the height of the store and the nature of the evolving surrounding built and natural environment - would result in minimal local impacts.

Image: North West Leicestershire District Council

"The design and scale of the building is considered to be in keeping with the existing architecture of the site and evolving architecture within the surrounding area and will utilise a muted and modest palette of materials and colours, minimising the visual impact of the development.

"It is considered that the proposed development would not impact on existing or committed development in the locality.

"Moreover, the proposal would result in the redevelopment of an existing, developed brownfield site within an urban area.

"The development would be strictly confined to the identified site boundary and utilise highly directional lighting to minimise any impact through light pollution."