PLANS have been revealed which could see a supermarket in Dursley relocate after just 15 years since opening.

Discount chain Lidl has said it could relocate its existing Dursley store in Kingshill Road as part of a major scheme.

It comes as the German discount chain recently announced a list of more than 1,100 locations across the country where it intends to relocate existing stores and open new supermarkets.

It is understood that if the move goes ahead, the chain would relocate into a new site in the Dursley area.

According to a brochure seen by the Gazette, which includes the possible relocation, Lidl also wants to open a new store in Nailsworth.

Lidl currently has two stores in the district - including in Dudbridge Road, Stroud and in Kingshill Road, Dursley.

The low-cost supermarket chain opened in Dursley 15 years ago in November 2009.

The building was formerly owned by Bristol-based supermarket chain Somerfield.

Lidl says it is also keen to open supermarkets in Bradley Stoke, Clifton, Downend or Staple Hill, Stoke Bishop, Westbury on Trym and east Gloucester.

Meanwhile, the retailer says it similarly wants to relocate its Emersons Green store located in Emersons Way.

The national retailer chain, which is the UK's sixth biggest supermarket, currently has about 960 stores.

Gazette Series: The old Dursley Lidl site before it opened - photo by Google Maps from June 2009 The old Dursley Lidl site before it opened - photo by Google Maps from June 2009 (Image: Google Maps)

Tony Davey, chair of Stroud & district Chamber of Trade, said: "It's often interesting to look at the prospective growth plans of national businesses, to understand where they may wish to continue to expand and invest.

"Sometimes these lists are simply speculative, possibly hooking the interest of developers or pro-active agents who may step forward with proposals, more than being solid statements of intention.

"Other times, outgrowing the potential of an existing site can drive a need to move to a bigger or better positioned site.

"As our population grows and housing continues to be built, so we need to ensure services are available to satisfy growing and changing needs.

"We also need to consider how our local economy is impacted through planning choices made; not repeating the blows of the past and making sure we learn from history and our mistakes, so as not to damage our town centres, negatively impact communities and reduce choice.

"This is where the need for a local plan (and localised Neighbourhood Development Plans) are so important - they can act as checks and balances to ensure properly considered growth that benefits our communities."

Richard Taylor, Lidl Great Britain's chief development officer, said: "As we celebrate our 30th year, our commitment to ensuring that all households across the country have access to high-quality produce at affordable prices is stronger than ever.

"We're planning to open hundreds of new Lidl stores but ultimately see no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential.

"This is why we're continuing to invest in new locations whilst exploring innovative routes to expansion."

Gazette Series: A map by Lidl showing stores in the region where it wants to open new stores and relocate old ones - Dursley is featured at number 17 A map by Lidl showing stores in the region where it wants to open new stores and relocate old ones - Dursley is featured at number 17 (Image: Lidl)

Gazette Series: A list by Lidl showing stores in the region where it wants to open new stores and relocate old ones - Dursley is featured at number 17 A list by Lidl showing stores in the region where it wants to open new stores and relocate old ones - Dursley is featured at number 17 (Image: Lidl)