Plans for a new Lidl in Stockport would be 'disastrous' for the roads in the area, a local councillor has claimed.

The supermarket is aiming to set up a site at Cheadle Heath Works on Stockport Road.

Permission was refused by councillors in January, but in summer Lidl made an appeal to the Planning Inspector over the decision.

David Meller, a councillor for Cheadle East and Cheadle Hulme North, said there he is still concerned about the site potentially becoming a supermarket.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It would be disastrous for that site and Stockport Road, but if we use it for housing the traffic would be far more manageable, we'd have far fewer comings and goings.

"With the housing situation in the borough, I think putting housing would be far more appropriate for that site, and the site is a mess, it's full of graffiti."

Lidl was approached for comment.

Cheadle Heath Works on Stockport Road in Cheadle, Stockport (Image - Google Maps)

Stockport MP Navendu Mishra has written to the Planning Inspector sharing concerns from local residents about Lidl's plans.

He wrote: 'The area is already known for heavy traffic, especially with the nearby M60 slipway and Roscoe's roundabout.

'Many people fear more traffic will increase congestion, especially around peak hours.'

The MP also raised objections about there being 'several supermarkets' in the area, and said Lidl had used 'tactics to fabricate support'.

Lidl's planning application for the proposed new supermarket was due to be decided in December at a council meeting, but the decision was pushed back before the meeting started.

In January, councillors refused the application, with some raising concerns in the meeting about a postcard being sent to local residents to gather support for a supermarket at the site.

Cllr Meller said at the time: "The mischief perpetuated by this postcard that went out was disgusting, it was absolutely disgusting. I will still say now, the reason why it was delayed [in December] was to get this postcard out, that's my honest view.

"I might be wrong, but that's how it looks. It was to get this postcard out to try and show a veneer of support around this application, of which in my view there is very little."