PLANS for a Lidl supermarket have been welcomed by Ringwood town councillors.

Ahead of a planning committee next week, members of Ringwood Town Council discussed the plans for the food store proposed for Forest Gate Business Park.

The planning committee meeting, held last Friday, heard from Jason Gratton, head of property for Lidl UK.

He outlined how the company sought to address concerns previously raised by council members and other statutory consultees.

They included issues with transport, access for cyclists and road safety issues raised by highways officials.

Members also heard about the strength of public support for the proposal, with an online petition attracting 5,613 signatures.

Town clerk Steve Nash said: "We are still consultees in the planning process. However, the councillors said it will be a good idea and we may have a Lidl by February next year."

New Forest District Council - the planning authority - will discuss the proposals at their planning meeting on April 13.

As part of the plans, Lidl have pledged a contribution of £152,000 towards highway improvements.

Members said they were pleased that this agreement had been struck but raised concerns about an uncontrolled crossing comprised of dropped kerbs and tactile paving, proposed by Hampshire County Council.

Councillors argued this was insufficient, and that a controlled crossing was needed in order to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The plans were recommended for approval, subject to improvements to the highways, including a controlled pedestrian crossing at Christchurch Road, and the town council being consulted over other proposed improvements.

Previous concerns had also been raised about potential noise from HGVs delivering goods. But following a noise assessment report, councillors agreed that deliveries would be restricted to daytime hours to minimise disturbance to neighbours.

Mr Gratton also told the council that, according to a survey Lidl had conducted, the biggest impact in terms of loss of income would be on their store in Ferndown where many people from Ringwood travel to.