BARGAIN giant Lidl hopes to receive the green light to demolish its current store in Porthmadog and create a larger shop which would create around 20 extra jobs.

A planning application has been submitted to Gwynedd Council to demolish the current Lidl store on Ffordd Penamser and create a £2m replacement store.

Included in the plans will be sales areas measuring 1,424m², 190 car park spaces – up from the current 123 – better staff facil­ities and in-store bakery.

Around 20 new jobs are also expected to be created and current staff kept on.

A public consultation was carried out and a letter was sent out to neighbouring properties and the company has received an overwhelming response of support for the larger store.

However one member of the public has raised their concerns that under the new plans the disabled bays will be situated further away from the store.

In a letter, the resident said: “I like the idea of the new store in Porthmadog, but looking at the plan I’m not sure about having the disabled bays away from the store and having to cross a busy entrance/exit to access the store.

“Wouldn’t it be better to have all of the disabled and mother toddler bays along the side of the store plus another trolley bay in that area of the car park, thus avoiding any risk of accidents.”

The plans and comments during the consultation will be looked at by Gwynedd Council in the near future before a decision is made.

A spokesperson for Lidl said the company was excited about the new developments.

Lidl UK’s board director of property and expansion, Ingo Fischer, said: “We are extremely excited about our brand new concept store, which represents the future of Lidl UK.

“This is yet another milestone for us in providing the infrastructure needed to manage our increasing market share and the expectations of our growing and incredibly valued customer base who have, quite rightfully, come to expect the very best of us.

“The plans presented for the Porthmadog store boast a brand new architectural structure and spacious layout, offering an enhanced shopping experience and superior welfare facilities.

Also included are wider aisles, longer tills, restroom and baby changing facilities.”