A LIDL foodstore is set to almost double in size under plans to amalgamate two of the units at a Hampshire retail park.

The supermarket chain has been given planning permission to expand its existing Totton store by taking over an adjoining building occupied by Poundstretcher.

Lidl has used Unit 1 for more than 20 years and says the outlet is too small to provide the type of service customers expect.

The retail park at Commercial Road, Totton, comprises a single building that has been sub-divided into four shops occupied by Lidl, Poundstretcher, Argos and Jolleys.

Lidl's application said: "Lidl has operated from their existing store since 1998. It is one of the company’s earliest outlets and is too small to provide the quality of offer their customers now expect.

"The proposals involve the amalgamation of Units 1 and 2 along with external alterations and new plant to allow the existing Lidl foodstore to expand.

"The store will have a gross internal area of 2,008sq m and a net sales area of 1,271sq m.

"Proposed alterations to the façade will improve the run-down appearance of this group of buildings and provide a more welcoming entrance with new signage, which will be the subject of a separate application.

"The alterations are minor and will have no adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area.

"The proposed development will provide Lidl with a larger store but the number of deliveries per day is expected to remain unchanged, so the noise impact will also be the same."

Lidl's application has been approved by New Forest District Council, subject to conditions.

A council report said: "The proposed development will provide a larger store but the number of deliveries per day is expected to remain unchanged.

"The proposal constitutes an appropriate and sustainable form of development that will preserve an existing town centre shopping use without detriment to the character of the surrounding area or to the amenity of adjoining residents."

Totton South councillor David Harrison added: "I think the expansion of Lidl at this location will be broadly welcomed.

"It has been a very successful retail operation, but a little cramped and so it is only natural that the business should expand."

Lidl have not said if the store's expansion will create any new jobs.