Plans for a new Lidl have been recommended for approval despite fears over the traffic impact it could have. 

Officers at Breckland Council have said councillors should give the green light to the bid to transform the former Busseys car dealership site in Yaxham Road into a new supermarket.

Dereham Times: The former Busseys car dealership site in Dereham could become a LidlThe former Busseys car dealership site in Dereham could become a Lidl (Image: Newsquest)

And despite objections on traffic grounds from Dereham Town Council, district councillor Alison Webb and others, Norfolk County Council’s highways department said the traffic impact would not be “severe”.

READ MORE: 'Gridlock' fears over new Lidl supermarket plan

READ MORE: New Lidl: Traffic impact would be 'negligible', supermarket says

The highways department said: “The type of development proposed at this brownfield site would be unlikely to generate many new vehicle trips during the commuter peak period, most visitors at that time, would already be passing by on the network. 

Dereham Times: Councillor Alison WebbCouncillor Alison Webb (Image: Supplied)

“It is noted that this site relates better to residential areas than the existing Lidl store at Kingston Road and may attract a greater proportion of customers travelling by active, or sustainable means.” 

READ MORE: Thousands of Lidl workers could get pay rise of up to £2,000

There would be a revised road layout, including better pedestrian and cycle links and a continuous footway so the store can be accessed from the eastern side of the site. 

But Ms Webb said about the plan: “I am very concerned about the exit and entrance of the proposed application. 

Dereham Times: Lidl plans to close its store in Kingston Road, Dereham, so it can open a larger branch off Yaxham Road.Lidl plans to close its store in Kingston Road, Dereham, so it can open a larger branch off Yaxham Road. (Image: Stock)

“The area is already a known bottleneck for traffic with many times that cars queue back to Morrison. 

“I support expanding the store to give employment opportunities but mitigation must be sought for the traffic challenge in that area already.” 

Other comments sent to the council about the proposed new store included: “Please do not allow this and add to the awful congestion that already exists”, and “a new store would provide job opportunities and many other benefits but should not be at the expense of the local highway network.”

Councillors on Breckland’s planning committee are due to consider the application on July 4.