Lidl is looking to open a store in Dover.

The German supermarket chain has written directly to Dover householders to invite them to an open day to show the plans.

The 2,760 sq m discount store is planned for the White Cliffs Business Park at Whitfield.

Jason Gratton, the company’s UK head of property, said in his letter: “As a local resident you may be already aware of plans to expand the existing development at White Cliffs Business Park east towards the B&Q warehouse.

“Having now exchanged contracts on the freehold purchase of the site I am delighted to be able to initiate a comprehensive community consultation on Lidl’s plans.”

The open day is at St Mary’s Parish Centre at Church Street, Dover, from 10am to 7pm on Tuesday, July 12.

Visitors will be able to view and discuss the plans.

The company will wait for local feedback before submitting a planning application.

The two-storey building would be on a 1.2 hectare plot of open land opposite B&Q at Honewood Parkway.

It would have a net sales area of 1,690 sq m.

All the sales area and warehouse would be on ground level with the first floor for staff only.

“If planning permission is granted Dover and Whitfield residents will be able to benefit from a modern neighbourhood discount food store with prices up to 30% lower than the existing supermarkets...” - Jason Gratton, Lidl

A total of 159 parking spaces are planned, including seven disabled bays and seven parent and child spaces.

The company says that a typical new store would provide up to 40 full and part-time jobs.

Mr Gratton’s letter added: “All Lidl recruitment specifically targets the store’s primary catchment area, less than five minutes’ drive time.

“If planning permission is granted Dover and Whitfield residents will be able to benefit from a modern neighbourhood discount food store with prices up to 30% lower than the existing supermarkets.”

Lidl has five other stores in east Kent at Folkestone, Hawkinge, Canterbury, Ramsgate and Ashford.

Its arch-rival Aldi is already in Dover, at Cherry Tree Avenue, and has branches in Hythe and Canterbury, with an interest in linking with Quinn Estates at a proposed mixed-use development of houses, offices and a nursery in Albert Road, Deal.

Lidl is encouraging people to support its plans by signing an online petition at gopetition.com/petitions/support-lidl-in-dover.html but they can also oppose it by emailing stoplidldover@gmail.com.

Residents can also send letters to the Lidl Property Office, 1st Floor, 33 London Road, Cowplain, Hampshire, PO8 8DF or email lidldover@gmail.com.

The communications should contain the title Proposed Lidl Foodstore – Honeywood Parkway, Dover.