Lidl's plans to open a new supermarket in Ashby have moved a step forward after the nationwide chain of stores lodged a planning application with North West District Council.

The former Ashfield House office site in Resolution Road is the intended site for the outlet, in an area where Tesco and Aldi are already operating.

One Ashby councillor has already written to district council planners to object to the scheme.

Murrae Blair-Park, representing the Money Hill Ward, said: "I write to inform you that as Ward member, I object to this application on the ground of sufficient retail grocery provision from four outlets within 1,000 meters of the proposed site - and the insufficient infrastructure currently to cope with the existing traffic levels."

Lidl's plans have been in the pipeline for more than two years after identifying Ashby as a town where it would like to open a supermarket.

Now the final decision lies with district council planners.

Earlier this year, Lidl made an Environmental Impact Assessment 'screening opinion' application to the district council, saying where the new store would be and making an allowance for 106 car parking spaces - although that has now been reduced to 101, comprising 84 standard car parking spaces, six accessible parking bays, nine parent & child spaces, and two rapid Electric Vehicle charging spaces.

In July, Ashby de la Zouch Town Council discussed the proposed scheme with Marcin Koszyczarek, from planning agent Rapleys LLP, on behalf of Lidl, where some concerns were aired, including adding to the traffic congestion in the area.

Lidl's design and access statement, included in the application, addresses some of those fears.

It says: "There will be 1-2 deliveries to the store per day, with an absolute maximum of four during busier times such as Christmas and Easter, which will be scheduled to arrive at different times during non-peak hours where possible.

"With regards to the potential impact on the existing highways network, the Transport Assessment finds that the proposed development will not lead to an unacceptable adverse impact on the surrounding network.

"In particular, modelling indicates that: 'The development impact from the proposed trips on the observed junctions within the study area are minimal whilst capacity assessments show that the Proposed Site Access/Resolution Road roundabout junction would operate well within capacity in the base and future year assessments with the developments in place'.

Plans for the site were made public earlier this year

"Further to the above, Lidl routinely produces and implements Travel Plans for all their new stores to promote sustainable transport choices.

"The application is accompanied by a Travel Plan for the proposed Lidl foodstore.

"Overall, the site is located in an accessible location that promotes access by sustainable transport, including public transport, walking and cycling, and the impact of the proposed development on the local highway network is negligible.

"Vehicular access to the site will be taken via a new access point off the roundabout along Resolution Road."

It adds: "The Lidl store will have a dedicated service area on the northern elevation, which will allow service vehicles to load and unload directly into the warehouse area of the store.

"The proposed layout is designed in accordance with the operational requirements of the Lidl foodstore and planning policy.

"The proposed layout allows good visibility onto the site from the existing local highway network and ensures functionality in terms of access, parking and servicing.

"It is also considered that the proposed layout promotes legibility and excellent natural surveillance to promote safety as well as positive visual amenity.

"Overall, the erection of the proposed building will enhance the site delivering safe access for all users in accordance with the relevant design and access policies."

Lidl asked local residents for their opinions about the planned development earlier this year.