PLANNERS have given the go-ahead for a new budget supermarket to be built in Southampton, despite rebuffing previous proposals just four months ago.

At Southampton City Council’s planning meeting last night, German discount chain Lidl presented its revamped plans for a store on Shirley High Street, which were welcomed by members.

This drew a stark contrast to reactions of the firm’s previous proposals, which were rejected over fears the supermarket would have a negative impact on neighbouring residents.

But Lidl claims its new plans, to build on the old police station site, feature “positive changes” from its previous application.

Changes include moving the store away from Mayflower Road – a key reason the application was rejected.

This is something both planners and residents who attended the meeting agreed on.

No members of the public spoke in objection to the plans at the meeting.

A spokesperson for Lidl said: “We’ve taken on board all comments and feedback regarding the application and, having continued to work closely with the council, have incorporated further positive changes into our proposals.

“These include increased landscaping and tree planting, relocating the store away from Mayflower Road properties, an upgraded design, and the specification of new materials, in keeping with the area.”

Lidl chiefs said the new store, replacing the retailer’s current Shirley site, would create a “bigger and better” supermarket, as well as an 20 extra jobs.

It will be open from 8am-10pm Monday-Saturday, with reduced hours on Sunday. 115 car park spaces will also be built on the site.

Millbrook ward Labour councillor David Furnell said he believed the scheme had been improved.

He said: “I’m quite impressed by the way Lidl have looked at the plans that were refused and come back with this application.

“There were very minor things that I had issue with, which it looks like have been addressed.”

Conservative leader Dan Fitzhenry, speaking on behalf of Millbrook councillor Steve Galton, said: “This is a scheme that we will look to support. “The original scheme has come some way and that is credit to Lidl, residents, and council officers for coming up with this proposal.”

The plans were unanimously approved.

Oliver McGuinness, regional property director at Lidl, added: “I believe we have addressed the sole reason for refusal."