Supermarket company Lidl wants to increase the size of its proposed store for Huntingdon – but claims it will not affect trade in the town centre.

The firm was allowed, on appeal, to build off Stukeley Road, near the railway bridge.

Huntingdonshire District Council refused the original application because it claimed the shop could affect the vitality of the town centre and that permitting the proposal for the outskirts of town would be against its planning policy.

Lidl has argued that the revised plans, an increase in sales ­floorspace of about 275 sq m, will not have a negative impact on the town centre.

Its planning and retail ­statement, prepared by real estate company GVA to accompany the latest application, said: “On the basis that the very small increase in floorspace arising from this proposal will not result in a greater number of product lines being sold from the site, and will not, therefore, result in a material increase in turnover when compared to the approved scheme, we conclude that, ­logically, there will be no harm arising to the planned, ongoing investment in Huntingdon town centre arising from this development.”

As well as being bigger – 1,338 sq m of sales area, up from 1,063 sq m – the layout has changed.

There will be more parking spaces, 91 instead of 78, and the store will border the plot next door earmarked for affordable housing, rather than the car park.

Lidl was also granted ­permission, in principle, for 14 affordable homes, next to the store, south of Fern Court.