Lidl’s latest plans to redevelop an old pub into a new supermarket near to the Ewell Bypass have been thrown out by the council – again.

The international discount chain submitted proposals for a new store on the site of the former Organ and Dragon boozer, which is currently vacant.

This time around, Lidl wanted to build a two-and-a-half storey building comprising a new food store at the first and second floor alongside car parking and delivery accommodation to the ground floor.

But members of Epsom and Ewell Council’s planning committee once again rejected the proposals at their latest meeting on February 13.

READ: Proposals to build Lidl on abandoned former pub site in Ewell

Cllr Humphrey Reynolds, chair of the council’s planning committee, said: “We have received a number of different proposals for the Organ and Dragon site over the last few years, all seeking to invest in the borough and transform the site.

“Each application has been considered on its merits. We have also carefully considered the views received from the local community and the different representations that have been made from various stakeholders.

“Last week, local residents were given an opportunity to express their views on the latest applications at the planning committee meeting – these views were heard by the committee before they came to their decision.

“The site lays on a busy road junction. The last three applications for the site have been refused in whole or in part because of the significant negative impact the proposed developments would have had on traffic flow and road safety.

“The site is in a prominent location and the area would benefit from a scheme coming forward that could help to meet our community needs and enhance the appearance of this gateway into Epsom.”

READ: Epsom and Ewell Council throw out Lidl's plans for old Organ and Dragon site

This isn’t the first time the German supermarket giants have been rebuffed by the council over plans for the Old Organ and Dragon pub, and is the latest in a string of applications over the years.

Lidl also submitted plans for it in June 2017 but councillors feared the proposed building would be “dominant and overbearing” in appearance.

There were also concerns over adequate parking for staff and customers, increased queuing and congestion on nearby roads, and a lack of crossing facilities for shoppers.

More than 150 objections were registered that time, and on this occasion there were 396 comments – 386 of which were objections and 10 in support.

Henry Neel, Lidl UK’s regional head of property, said: “We are, of course, very disappointed with the planning committee's decision.

“We'll now take time to review our proposals and will update the local community on next steps in due course.”