PLANS to overhaul a derelict garden centre have been met with anger from residents who say that the proposed supermarket would ‘spoil’ the area.

Discount supermarket giants Lidl put forward plans to create a multi-million pound complex on the former Holland’s Garden Centre site in Bromley Cross.

The plans come complete with a 123-space 'commuter' car park, four football pitches intended for the use of Bromley Cross Football Club and retirement homes.

The public were invited to share their thoughts on the plans for the first time on Tuesday evening and reviews were mixed.

Sceptical residents quizzed the Lidl representatives, saying that traffic in the area is already ‘choking’ Bromley Cross throughout the day and will only worsen with the development.

Susan May said: “It will spoil the area and slap a Lidl in the middle of a beautiful green space. Why do we need another supermarket? It’ll stand out like a sore thumb.”

Some residents expressed concerns that the area already has a popular Lidl in Crompton Road, just over two miles away from the proposed site, while others questioned the future of the plan altogether.

Angela Lomax added: “I agree something has to be done with the land but what is going to happen to the football pitches? The club might not have the money to maintain them and they could go to ruin.”

Lidl GB’s regional head of property, Nick Harvey admitted that the future of the football pitches is currently undecided, saying that Lidl will be building the pitches and maintaining them for a year before hopefully handing control to the football club.

But so far, Bromley Cross FC has come out in favour of the plans. When he heard about the proposal, vice-chairman of Bromley Cross Football Club David Norris said: “We have a number of teams playing on sub-standard, poorly drained pitches, laden with dog muck, debris, and glass dotted around the borough and finally after years of trying, this would be a fantastic facility to allow the kids of this community to play on and develop their ability to full potential.

Along with the football pitches, the Lidl leader revealed that details surrounding the car park are still unclear. The car park was hoped to be free and for the use of rail commuters, but Mr Harvey said that may not end up being the case as plans are fully developed and confirmed.

Other residents welcomed the ideas, saying the retirement homes could be an important housing addition. Resident Suzanne Morris said: “It’s fantastic, for me it’s in walking distance. I’m interested in the retirement homes, I’m open to downsizing at the moment. The football pitches will be good for the community.

"The traffic is a concern but it’s a concern everywhere you go.”

Mr Harvey, responded to the complaints that the location will attract vandalism, saying that the garden centre is already ‘derelict and vandalised’: “The good thing about regeneration of an area suffering vandalism is that it introduces some investment.”

The public consultation continue and residents being encouraged to send thoughts to town planners Rapleys LLP with the reference Lidl Bromley Cross.