A HAMPSHIRE supermarket is closing for five months to enable a major modernisation and expansion scheme to go ahead.

The Totton branch of Lidl is expanding into the former Poundstretcher unit next door, enabling the existing store to almost double in size.

Lidl occupies one of the four units at Totton Retail Park in Commercial Road.

A banner attached to a wall in the street says the store will close on Wednesday "for a lick of paint" and will reopen on November 24.

Daily Echo: Lidl is expanding into a neighbouring unit that has already been stripped of all its fixtures and fittings..Lidl is expanding into a neighbouring unit that has already been stripped of all its fixtures and fittings..

All the fixtures and fittings have already been removed from Poundstretcher, which closed on May 17.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Lidl's proposal to take over the adjoining unit was approved by New Forest District Council earlier this year.

READ MORE: Totton branch of Lidl set to expand into neighbouring store

The 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 1,271sqm.

"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."

Daily Echo: Lidl is expanding into a unit previously occupied by Poundstetcher, which closed last month.Lidl is expanding into a unit previously occupied by Poundstetcher, which closed last month.

A council report added: "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 said: "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."

The nearest Lidl store is in Brownhill Way, Southampton.

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