PLANS to provide New Milton with a cost-cutting supermarket have been given the go-ahead after attracting huge public backing.

Council chiefs have approved proposals to build a 1,391 square metre Lidl store on the former Olympian Garage site in the centre of town.

The application had attracted 276 letters of support, plus a petition signed by more than 1,300 people.

The letters listed more than 40 reasons why the scheme should be granted, including its beneficial impact on jobs, the environment and consumer choice. Members of New Forest District Council’s planning committee were told that the store would employ 40 people – and could be open in time for Christmas.

Former town mayor Cllr Goff Beck told the committee: “The residents of New Milton welcome this proposal with open arms. It will create much-needed employment for locals and provide more passing trade for nearby shopping parades.

“Contrary to some residents’ views it will not detract from other retailers due to its lack of a ‘one stop shop’ approach. Other supermarket chains provide pharmacy and newsagent stock, therefore squeezing independent retailers, but this will not be the case with Lidl.”

Fellow New Milton member Cllr Alan Rice commented: “I went to both presentations. They were packed with people who were unanimous in their support.”

The new store will be built on the corner of Lymington Road and Barton Court Avenue.

Jason Gratton, representing Lidl, told the committee: “The scheme will provide a supermarket within walking distance of a vast residential population, thus reducing the need for car journeys to existing supermarkets.”

Maureen Holding, the council’s cabinet member for employment, health and wellbeing, said: “We’re going to get 40 jobs that are vital to the area. It’s also a good use of a former garage site that’s been derelict for some time.”