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German supermarket chain Lidl is reportedly planning to open a new store in the Bicester area of Oxfordshire.

Lidl's planning application outlines the company's intention to build on two parts of the same site; by demolishing part of an old office building to construct a new store and a car park with space for 75 vehicles, and another large unit encompassing four trade counters and a smaller car park on the north side of the Bicester site.

The council is welcoming the planning application from the discount supermarket, summed up by Councillor Les Sibley's comments on the news:

"Obviously it has to go through the planning process, but I welcome it. With new businesses comes jobs. Perhaps it's a sign there is a growing confidence in the economy."

It is certain that the new Lidl store will create a large number of new food jobs for the area, but this is where the only stumbling block to the application going through lies. The Chamber of Commerce has concerns about the change of use of the site, saying:

"While welcoming the obvious benefits of increased competition in the food market and the associated job creation opportunities, the chamber would be concerned that the change of use associated with the application reduces opportunity for non retail/sales counter employment."

The planning committee will consider this issue alongside Lidl's planning application, returning as decision by May 20th.