Plans for new budget supermarket which could create 40 jobs are set to get the nod.

Lidl wants to open its second branch in the Medway Towns in Strood near the Medway Valley Leisure Park.

The German retailer opened another store in Gillingham in September last year despite fierce opposition from Asda.

If approved, the new supermarket will be located within a chalk pit off Roman Way and Cuxton Road, close to Diggerland.

The plans - which were submitted in July last year - include parking spaces for 117 cars.

Medway Council officers have recommended councillors approve the plans which are due to be discussed next week at a meeting of the planning committee.

The authority received seven letters of objection, mainly over the traffic the development could generate.

A further 24 welcomed the addition of a new low-budget store to the town, saying it would bring employment to the area and benefit the community.

The supermarket previously said the development would generate 40 new jobs.

The council also received a letter of objection from Aldi - which has a store in Friary Place, Strood - which argued assessments for the plans had not properly been submitted, which was rebuffed by Lidl.