Discount supermarket chain Lidl will find out next week whether it can open a new store in Norwich – which would see an existing one moved just a fifth of a mile away from its current location.

Lidl wants to move its store in Copenhagen Way to the former Goff Petroleum site in Aylsham Road and needs to secure planning permission from Norwich City Council.

Lidl says it needs to make the switch because the current store is too small, but the proposal has sparked objections.

The East of England Co-op, which has a store in Aylsham Road, had put forward a string of reasons why Lidl's bid should be rejected, including that the 29,654 sq ft store would go against the city council's own local plan – a blueprint for development.

Historic England said it could not support the scheme, which is close to the Grade II* listed St Catherine's Church and its Grade II listed church hall.

The watchdog said the current design will 'not fully realise the potential to enhance the setting of the heritage assets' and urged the council to push for a revised design.

But council officers are recommending that members of the planning committee grant permission for the scheme at a meeting next week.

If permission is granted, then the existing Lidl store would close.

A planning application has recently been lodged seeking outline consent for homes to be built at that site.

A decision will be made by city councillors on Thursday.