A PLANNING application for Bridport's fourth supermarket is due to be submitted shortly despite opposition that it is in the wrong part of town.

Speaking at the latest public meeting about the scheme Lidl bosses said an official application would be formally lodged with West Dorset District Council soon.

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin called the meeting at Bridport Town Hall on Friday to address peoples' concerns. These included the traffic implications, chosen location, general design, reputation of Lidl and questions over the need for yet another supermarket in the town.

Some residents were also concerned about the possible loss of parking along the road and calls were renewed for a roundabout outside the Co-op store.

Simon Williams, of St Andrew's Road Residents Association, highlighted concerns about the chosen location. He said there was not room for a filter lane to stop traffic backing up along the main road, and also pointed out the lack of pedestrian refuge in the new 38m access proposed for Travis Perkins site and Co-op deliveries.

He also questioned the chosen site for the discount store saying that more central sites were available, notably the South West Quadrant. He added that the south west of town has a lower economic profile than the north east' and it would be nearer to those who may want to use it.

Lidl said the site was chosen due to the proximity of residential areas, and meant people would be able to get there without the use of a car if they wanted, either by walking or public transport. They also said they had taken into account planning policy when deciding on where to go.

Development executive James Mitchell, of Lidl, said: "We have been looking at Bridport since we came to this country 14 years ago. We did look at many sites. We believe this site is well situated and would also give people the opportunity to link their trip to nearby Co-op."

Mr Mitchell said that following people's comments at their well-supported public consultation day in April changes had been made to the elevations to make them less obtrusive, and that the ridge height of the middle section had been reduced. He said there were also plans for some trees to shield the site and said the firm would still be listening to peoples' views.

Responding to concerns about large lorries, Mr Mitchell said there would be just one delivery a day and Lidl could be flexible about time and ensure it was outside the busy school-run periods. He said the firm had generated traffic data as part of the planning process and this would be considered by the highway authority.

Council Ros Kayes, chairman of the town council's planning committee, said everyone was welcome to have their say when the plans are discussed by councillors.

But she warned the council would only be able to put forward its comments on legitimate planning issues and was not able to consider moral or ethical questions such as whether another supermarket was needed.

Mr Letwin said the meeting had been very useful and highlighted many of the concerns.

He said anyone with points to make could write to him at the House of Commons.