SUPPORT is flooding in for the latest application to build a new Aldi store on the edge of a Hampshire town.

Planning chiefs have already received more than 40 letters praising new proposals submitted by Aldi, which wants to redevelop a large site near the Tesco store at Caird Avenue, New Milton.

Aldi's previous application was rejected by just one vote earlier this year.

Now the German supermarket giant has submitted a revised scheme which it hopes it will overcome objections to the previous scheme.

One of the people urging New Forest District Council to support the new application is Burt Solomons, of Brownhill Road, New Milton.

In a letter to the authority he says: "I am very much in favour of Aldi building a new store. As more and more people move to the area the existing shops become busier and busier. Look at the local Lidl - the car park has been extended twice since it opened.

"We need this Aldi to relieve pressure on the other supermarkets in New Milton."

Fellow supporter Felicity Buswell, of Barton Court Road, New Milton, says an Aldi store at Caird Avenue would keep large lorries away from the town centre, reducing the risk of accidents and congestion."

Barbara Grand-Scrutton, of Linford Close, New Milton, is also supporting the application.

She says the proposed new store will "enhance sand extend shopping opportunities for local people by offering affordable quality food and consumables without unduly affecting town centre businesses."

Aldi's original application was rejected by the council's planning committee in May.

Members said the proposed new store should be built in Station Road, New Milton, instead. They also claimed the proposal lacked sufficient landscaping and described the vehicle access to the site as unacceptable.

The revised scheme that aims to overcome the objections.

Aldi says the Station Road site identified by the council would not be commercially viable because there is not enough space for the 127 parking places needed.

Aldi also insists that the proposed new store will complement existing stores in the area, including Morrisons, Lidl and Tesco.