A SOUTHAMPTON councillor has called on Lidl to fund a park and ride for the city as part of plans to build a new store.

Independent Andrew Pope says the discount retailers will make “lots of money” if plans for a new supermarket Brownhill Way are given the green light.

And he has called on the discount retailer to use some of the profits to invest in better transport links for the city.

This includes a new park and ride, which he says should be built on a field behind the proposed supermarket site.

He said: “I want to see what Lidl is going to do for local residents, because Lidl will be making lots of money, so they have to deliver benefits such as improved transport links, a new park and ride, and finally deliver on the promise of sustainability including solar panels on top of the huge local warehouse.

“The Labour Council has to make Lidl do this.

“Residents and the local area must benefit from the new store, if it goes ahead.”

READ: ‘Teetering on the edge’ – owners left with 12ft drop outside their beach huts >>>

READ: Young biker killed in crash clipped the rear of Land Rover with slightest of touches >>>

Cllr Pope’s comments come days after Lidl announced plans for a third new store in Southampton.

The most recent proposals are for a new supermarket and car park on a greenfield site of Brownhill Way.

The site is just metres away from Lidl’s £55 million regional distribution centre, which the supermarket giant opened in 2016.

Ahead of submitting a formal application, the company will host a consultation event at Nursling and Rownhams Village Hall today between 10am and 7pm.

Lidl’s announcement comes just months after it revealed plans for a new supermarket on Banister Road.

The site, just off the Avenue, is currently home to car dealership Inchcape Jaguar Land Rover, which will move to a new home on Wide Lane.

The supermarket giant is yet to lodge official plans for the new store.

Meanwhile, Lidl has relaunched its campaign to build a new supermarket on Shirley High Street.

Lidl’s original plans, to build on land previously home to Shirley Police Station, were thrown out earlier this year by councillors due to the potential impact on neighbouring residents.

But Lidl’s new plans include turning the bulk of the building away from neighbouring residents – one of the concerns raised during the planning meeting.

The plans, which include the demolition of Lidl’s current Shirley store, are expected to go before councillors again later this year.