A NEW Lidl will create 45 jobs if plans to build the new supermarket at Southend’s London Road retail park are given the green light.

According to the proposals, the large Homebase store currently on site will be split in two, with half remaining in the hands of the DIY store and the other half becoming the new supermarket.

Homebase has stated the existing shop is too large for its current use, with the plan pitched as a scheme to make the most of the site.

A previous application, submitted in August last year, aimed to split the site in two and was recommended for approval, but was withdrawn as the council wanted more information on future tennants.

And now with Lidl signed on the dotted line and committed to the site, it is hoped the plans will gain council approval.

The application states 45 new jobs will be created at the supermarket, providing a boost to employment in the area.

An extract from the planning application said: “Lidl has a policy of employing local people from all backgrounds to work in their stores.

“This allows for a short commute to work and for staff to potentially work at short notice.

“The company is an equal opportunities employer, with no zero-hour contacts.”

Lidl would join Homebase, Currys, and Pets at Home within the retail park.

The chain already has supermarkets at the Greyhound Retail Park, in Southend, and Woodgrange Drive, Southend, while plans have recently been approved for a Lidl at the Shoebury garrison development.

The supermarket confirmed no existing sites will close as a result of a new Lidl opening.

According to trading information, and resident feedback, Lidl claims it has identified a need for an additional store at the London Road retail park.

The application added: “The development will ensure that the Homebase unit remains in productive economic use, generating jobs and other positive economic benefits for Southend.

“London Road retail park is an established destination for shopping within Southend, providing retail floorspace in a scale and format that cannot be accommodated within the town centre.

“In light of the above, We conclude the proposed development will widen consumer choice in the provision of discount foodstores and ensure that an existing operator can continue trading in a more efficient smaller-format store.

“It will increase competition at a sequentially preferable location.”