PLANS for a new supermarket near Wantage have been updated following residents' concerns about congestion.

Lidl says its proposed store in Grove now features 'an enhanced look and design and a new access point'.

The German supermarket chain is planning to build the store on a green field east of Grove Road, next to Elm Farm Business Park, which is occasionally grazed by sheep.

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Local reaction to the proposed 2,100sq m store has largely been positive, but fears have been raised that the store could have repercussions for traffic and local expansion.

And earlier this year, Oxfordshire County Council raised a number of transport concerns, claiming proposals for pedestrian, cyclist and A338 access were not 'satisfactory'.

Now the store says it will use new cladding materials 'to better reflect the local area' and change the routes in.

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Spokesman Will Savage explained: "As well as the cladding, the main change is the alteration to the site access.

"Originally, the site access was proposed to come from Elms Park Business Road to the north.

"However, after consulting with the council we have moved this to come directly from Grove Road, also introducing a right hand turn ‘ghost lane’ to accommodate queueing traffic. The council have confirmed they are happy with the proposals."

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Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, Jeremy Lee, added: “We’ve taken on board all comments and feedback regarding our initial application and continue to work closely with the council.

"We’re now looking forward to discussing our latest application with council members and receiving a decision in due course.”

The multi-million plans, which Lidl first announced last September, are set to create up to 40 new full and part time jobs.

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The Vale of White Horse District Council will now re-consult on the proposals, before making a final decision on the plans 'in the coming weeks'.

Lidl also ran a stall at Wantage Market last weekend, to speak to residents about the changes.

More than 100 residents have signed a petition supporting the proposals, according to the store, which claims that 'almost everyone we spoke to was excited about Lidl coming to Grove and Wantage'.