Discount food store Lidl is planning to open a supermarket at a former office building in Bicester.

The German food chain has submitted a planning application to demolish part of the former CCH Editions building, known as Publishing House, on the corner of Telford Road and Launton Road, and build a shop.

It wants to build a 5,301 sq ft store with a 4,220 sq ft sales area and 75-space car park on the south side of the site.

Meanwhile, a second application for up to four small shops, with 24 parking spaces, has been lodged for the north side of the site.

The move would completely regenerate the area, which has been empty for several years.

Town councillors welcomed the application, but the chamber of commerce raised concerns that the town needed a wider range of jobs.

Chamber of commerce president Ben Jackson said: “While welcoming the obvious benefits, the chamber would be concerned that the change of use reduces opportunity for non retail/sales counter employment.

“Bicester needs to be developing a balanced range of employment opportunities, not just retail/sales.

Town and district councillor Les Sibley said: “I think it’s good news for Bicester.

“Anything that brings a derelict site back into play is to be supported.

“Obviously it has to go through the planning process, but I welcome it.”

He added: “With new businesses comes jobs. Perhaps it’s a sign there is a growing confidence in the economy.”

Lidl was unavailable for comment.