A BUDGET supermarket has confirmed it has plans to open a second store in Durham city.

Lidl UK says it hopes its planned new store in Gilesgate Moor, on the outskirts of the city, will create up to 40 new jobs.

It is part of a proposed retail development opposite the Tesco Extra in Dragon Lane, Dragonville.

Last month, Kier Property submitted a planning application for the scheme, which, if approved, will also include a store set to be occupied by The Range.

Lidl, which already has an outlet at the Arnison Centre, in Pity Me, says its new store will be 1325m² and will have a bakery, toilets and parking for cars and bicycles.

Its UK regional head of property David Murphy said: “We are delighted to announce that a planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council by Kier Property.

“If granted this would mark a multi-million pound investment in the area, form part of a wider redevelopment of the site, and lead to the creation of new jobs when the store opens.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support and feedback so far and we look forward to receiving the decision in due course.”

Lidl, which is the fastest growing supermarket in the UK, has around 700 stores nationally.

It’s growth plan includes opening 50 new stores a year.

The site in Dragon Lane, which would be accessed via Damson Lane, is currently occupied by a number of empty warehouses as well as two existing businesses; Durham Hand Car Wash and Walkers Furniture.

The investment is aimed at regenerating the 1.97 hectare site, bringing it back into use, creating jobs and increasing choice for consumers.

A similar scheme had been brought forward in 2015, when Aldi had planned to move to the site from its current premises at Dragonville Retail Park.