A supermarket chain has revealed plans for a new store on a controversial site in Epsom, which residents have previously labelled as inappropriate.

Cut-price supermarket chain Aldi has lodged a planning application for six two-bedroom homes on top of a new store with 71 car parking spaces at the former Dairy Crest site between Alexandra Road and Church Road, Epsom.

The supermarket giant has owned the Alexandra Road site since 2013 and distributed almost 7,000 leaflets announcing plans for it to nearby residents in July last year.

It said the majority of nearly 1,000 responses were positive and believe the new store would create between 40 and 50 local jobs and enhance food choice and competition.

But some residents believe the site is inappropriate for a supermarket due to traffic concerns.

Between November 1, 2009 and October 31, 2014 there were 24 recorded accidents at junctions in the immediate vicinity - two of which were serious.

Your Local Guardian:

Barbara Warwick (left) and Julie Morris next to the Alexandra Road site in July 2015, when Aldi leafleted residents with plans

Julie Morris, a landscaper gardener from nearby Mill Road believes the presence of the store would exacerbate traffic problems.

She said: "I do think we need a shop of this size, but it is simply not the right place for it.

"When you have the right location further down the road at the old Tesco site it seems ridiculous.

"Epsom is already so congested, and the road network will not support any kind of substantial retail outlet on the site."

Mrs Morris was also angry about the timing of the application being lodged to the council - on Saturday, December 12.

She said: "It’s a typical developer tactic to lodge the application at Christmas. It’s designed to minimise local knowledge and objection."

Your Local Guardian:

The potential future site of the Aldi store in Alexandra Road, Epsom

Epsom and Ewell Borough Councillor Jane Race of College ward was also concerned about the potential impact on local roads.

She said: "Aldi and Surrey County Council need to think about traffic calming and safety for pedestrians there because there aren’t any pedestrian crossings there.

"I would also urge members of the public to go look at the plan and offer their points of view."

An Aldi spokesperson said: "We know that many local people are currently travelling out of Epsom to do their weekly food shop and a new Aldi would mean they could shop closer to home, saving them time and money.

"The proposed site has an accessible edge of town centre location and good links to the town centre.

"We are encouraged that so many local people have already shown support for the plans."

What do you think? Comment below or email letters@epsomguardian.co.uk