A NEW supermarket could bring 40 new jobs to Weston-super-Mare if it is granted planning permission.

National store Lidl has asked North Somerset Council for permission to build on the former William Knowles Centre in Winterstoke Road.

The William Knowles Centre was previously used by the Brandon Trust, which provides services for people with learning disabilities.

The council declared the land surplus to requirements in 2011, when the services moved to the @Worle Community Centre at Worle School.

Lidl wants to build a 1,689sqm food shop with 163 parking spaces.

It previously operated a store in Winterstoke Road, which it closed in 2013 because the building was too small.

Bosses say that since it closed, they have been looking for a new site in Weston.

Planning documents submitted with the application say: “We can confirm that given Lidl’s commitment, this proposed economic development will, if consented, be built-out at the earliest opportunity.

“The redevelopment of the site will make a positive contribution towards the townscape, enhancing the area’s environmental quality, while also creating jobs at an accessible and sustainable location.

“The worthwhile regeneration of this under-utilised brownfield site will also assist in the realisation of important national and local sustainability objectives.”

The documents say the store would create 40 jobs, including security guards and managers.

The building is described as being ‘modern’ and ‘well-designed’.

Lidl first announced its plans to build the new store in July, and created an online petition to show it had public support for the scheme.

It said: “The Lidl strategy is to offer our customers the highest quality products at the lowest prices via neighbourhood stores serving local needs at convenient locations.

“Lidl’s limited range of products and modest turnover will ensure that any impact on Weston is minimal.”

The application can be viewed on the council’s website using the number 15/P/2445/F.