Proposals for a new branch of Lidl would include changes to the road layout at the entrance to a town.

The German-owned retailer wants to build a 2,546 sq m store, in London Road, Swanley, just off Junction 3 of the M25.

Proposals include the store with 1,580 sq m of sales floorspace, as well as a car park with 91 spaces – and a new roundabout in London Road.

The same application for the land, known as Broom Hill, includes a request for outline permission to build 47 homes, including affordable housing.

The supermarket chain has plans to have 1,599 stores by the end of 2025 in Britain, and is hoping to start construction in Swanley at the earliest opportunity, if the proposed development is permitted.

The town already has an Asda, Aldi and Iceland, and the closest Lidl stores are in Dartford, around four miles away, and Orpington, which is around six miles away.

It is hoped the new store will mean more choice for those living on the eastern side of Swanley and it will also create the equivalent of 40 full-time jobs.

Commenting on the plans, which were only validated by Sevenoaks council at the end of last week, a resident raised traffic and pollution fears.

"I object to the proposed application due to fact that London Road is a heavily used road which is already compromised due to its proximity to the A20 and M25 junctions and the Dartford crossing," they said.

"Any traffic problems, which are frequent, result in a heavy build up of traffic causing misery to the residents of Swanley.

"The building of a roundabout would add to the frequent congestion in the area. I also object due to the noise pollution which would undoubtedly be caused to local residents."

A planning statement submitted with the plans said the positive impact would outweigh any harm.

It read: "The proposed Lidl retail food store will create new employment opportunities and assist in regenerating this site – improving the vibrancy of the surrounding area.

"The social, economic and environmental benefits of this development, including the provision of much-needed new market and affordable homes, the provision of a new food store, the creation of new employment opportunities, the regeneration of the site, and the provision of new landscaping and open spaces are considered to outweigh any impact arising from the development."

The site is bounded to the west by the back gardens of the housing along Beechenlea Lane, and is close to Junction 3 of the M25 and next to the A20.

Part of the plot used to be occupied by electrical engineering company Kimber Allen which has since moved to Wested Lane, Swanley.

Lidl opened its first branch in Medway in September, after facing legal backlash from rival supermarkets nearby.

The supermarket chain also opened another store in Maidstone at the end of November, and shares its site with DIY store Wickes, with the building and car park being split between the two companies.

They have also lodged plans to build a store at Cowstead Corner, on the Isle of Sheppey.

The status of the proposal for the Swanley site is still awaiting decision.