Controversial plans to build a Lidl off the Old Thanet Way in Herne Bay are set to be voted on by councillors again.

The budget supermarket chain launched a fresh bid to build a 2,125 sq m store with 125 parking spaces on land neighbouring the Greenhill roundabout in November.

However, councillors at last month’s planning committee meeting voted in favour of delaying a decision.

It was hoped this would give Lidl time to submit further information to the local authority and a draft Section 106 agreement, should the committee approve the proposals.

But council officers have recommended the bid be refused.

In a report that will be presented at next Tuesday’s planning committee meeting, they argue that the town does not need another supermarket.

“The applicant argues there is a need for the development as there is a shortfall in the area arising from the reduced convenience floorspace being offered at the Sainsbury’s at Altira Business Park,” they said.

“The applicant’s argument that there is a quantitative need for the development is demonstrably wrong.

“Sainsbury’s decision to offer a reduced convenience provision could reasonably be viewed as further evidence of a lack of need in the area.”

Lidl had a previous application to build on neighbouring land narrowly rejected by city councillors last year.

The local authority received 360 letters of support for the new application from residents living close to the site, and just 20 objecting to it.

Lidl says it received more than 4,100 responses to its own public consultation, with almost 84% of them backing the scheme.

However, planning officers say this “does not equate to a need for the development”.

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay.