“THE wrong place for it” is the verdict of Verwood councillors over fresh proposals for the siting of a new Lidl store in the town.

The revised plans were discussed during a meeting of Verwood Town Council’s plans consultative committee on April 22, which has since been made available to watch online via its Facebook page.

The application is seeking planning permission to demolish existing housing and build the food store in Ringwood Road.

The final decision on whether to grant planning permission will be made by Dorset Council.

The town council previously objected to the proposals with concerns including heavy traffic and the removal of a 200 year old oak tree. Councillors noted the revisions had taken into account the oak tree.

Cllr Jane Russell said: “They have saved the tree. Although there is a lot of doubt as to whether they have really done it properly. I think we’re almost bound to object again but actually I don’t have anything against it personally. I know I’m in the minority.”

Cllr Martyn Hudson added: “In fairness I don’t have an objection either to the idea of having a Lidl store in Verwood. I just think that it is possibly the wrong place for it and that should be residential.”

Cllr Hudson said concerns expressed earlier over traffic issues were around the site exit opposite the petrol station being so close to the traffic lights. He said: “I don’t think that is going to be capable of being addressed.”

Later adding: “At the moment that junction is very dangerous. It would be horrendous as a result of this.”

Cllr Matthew Parker said Verwood needed another supermarket but traffic was a significant concern.

It was suggested an industrial estate would be a better location. The meeting heard Lidl’s store in Ringwood was located on an industrial estate.

Cllr Lucy Clark said: “I have got no problems with Lidl coming. I should be very pleased but it is not the right place.”

Cllr Russell said the traffic going to the store would be “mostly Verwood traffic” and maybe the Cranborne and Alderholt area.

She questioned whether moving it out of town would restrict access for older people unable to drive.

Cllr Phil Smith said another “local store” was not needed as there was already a Tesco and a Co-op where people with poor mobility could get to, adding: “We need another Lidl supermarket the size they were originally promoting. I would fully be behind a Lidl supermarket just not there. We don’t need another local store we need another bigger store.”

The latest objection was on the grounds it was contrary to planning policy, the relationship to nearby properties, including minimise general disturbance to amenity, architectural style, scale, unsuitable location, visual impact and traffic concerns. It also said the town council would be unlikely to object to this application in an alternative location such as sited on an industrial estate.

Councillors voted in favour of objecting to the application.

Speaking after the meeting, a council spokesperson said: “We are happy to consider further applications from Lidl and work with them to identify a more suitable location to bring them to Verwood.”

Regional head of property for Lidl James Mitchell said: "We are really pleased that we have been able to revise our plans to retain the protected Oak tree, which was done as a result of the feedback from the residents of Verwood and the Local Planning Authority.

"We can reassure the local community that we have been working in close consultation with the local highways authority, who have confirmed that they do not have any safety concerns. We are extremely grateful for the support so far and will continue to work closely with the Council on the application to hopefully satisfy any concerns and ensure that improved choice for food shopping is made accessible to all households in the area."