A NEW Lidl supermarket could open in Malvern Link early next year.

The German chain, which has been fighting to put a store on the former eurohaus site for more than five years, will hear if its latest application has been successful on Wednesday.

Officers have recommended the plan for approval and Malvern Hills District Council's southern area development control committee will make the final decision.

If the plan is passed, building could start in two months' time. The store would create 35 new jobs.

Lidl property executive Colin Rimmer said: "We've had a lot of support from local people and know that lots of people will be happy to see a Lidl store in Malvern."

He said the value supermarket would not have a detrimental effect on other retail outlets but would bring shoppers into Malvern Link, who would then use other stores as well as Lidl.

While 13 people have supported the plan, 31 have objected.

Tom Falcon lives near the site in Chillerton Court and collected 810 signatures opposing previous plans, which the district council refused in 2001.

"Most people I've talked to round here are still against it," he said.

His major concern was the store would increase the volume of traffic on Worcester Road.

The plan includes a development of four houses and apartments on Worcester Road, with access to the supermarket and parking behind.

The houses and supermarket have been designed to complement the Malvern Link Conservation area and the development includes tree planting and landscaping.

A legal agreement attached to the proposed consent stipulates the housing should be 'affordable' and built before the store. It also says Lidl should provide replacement public parking within the site for the 15 spaces that would be lost on Worcester Road if the development goes ahead.