Plans to build a new roundabout and a supermarket at the entrance to a town have been approved.

Lidl will be opening a 2,546 sq m store in London Road, Swanley, just off Junction 3 of the M25.

Plans to build 1,580 sq m of sales floorspace on the land known as Broom Hill were submitted in December 2022.

There will be a car park with 91 spaces and a new five-arm roundabout from London Road. A request for outline permission to build 47 homes including affordable housing has also been approved.

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.

When the plans were first revealed there were concerns raised over traffic and pollution.

One said: “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.

"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."

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

It read: “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.

In the application report, case officer Nicola Furlonger said: “The proposed development would support the delivery of housing, including affordable housing, to meet the needs of the district, in a sustainable location.

“I am satisfied that the proposal would provide an appropriate form of development in terms of design and amenity, and would provide the necessary protections and enhancements to landscape and biodiversity.

“I have not found any harms that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposed development. It is therefore recommended that this application is approved.”

Lidl has been approached for comment