STORE wars could break out over a bid by budget supermarket Lidl to open a new store in Ross-on-Wye.

Aldi already operates a store in the town centre, alongside Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, while the two German budget retailers recently clashed over rival schemes to open stores in Coleford.

The Lidl bid to seize a percentage of the town’s trade would see the demolition of three dilapidated buildings at Wolf Business Park on Gloucester Road, with a 14,262 sq ft store erected with 127 parking places.

The hybrid planning application also seeks outline permission for replacement employment premises beside the store on the 4.7-acre site.

The existing Alton Road entrance would be used for access.

Residents have until Thursday, August 9, to comment on the proposals, with Herefordshire planners set to consider the scheme in October.

Lidl and Aldi recently clashed in Coleford, with Aldi refused planning permission for an out-of-town store after Lidl said it would withdraw its own town centre scheme.