Allen Ford has submitted plans for an all-new showroom as the Lidl supermarket chain plans a move to the business’ existing site.

The showroom plans include a showroom, customer lounge, workshop and dedicated used car forecourt and will be located on Hamilton Way, Nuneaton, which is around three miles from its existing showroom.

AM understands that the Higham Lane site is the subject of a proposal to create a new Lidl supermarket, with Allen Ford required to vacate its showroom by January 2017.

A planning statement submitted to Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said: "There has been a car dealership on the Higham Lane site for over 50 years and Allen Ford has leased the site since 2001.

"Over that time the business has served a substantial proportion of the Nuneaton population and sold considerable quantities of cars whilst also providing servicing, MOT, body shop, valeting and other associated automotive services.

"The business has steadily grown and is an established part of the Nuneaton business community.

"Allen Ford are commercially sound and have delivered significant investment to the borough over an extensive period of time, serving customers of the Ford brand renowned for being one of the world's most successful car manufacturers. Thus, there is a great deal of reliance placed upon Allen Ford by the borough; and in turn a great deal of reliance placed by Ford who require dealerships in every major town across the country."

The Nuneaton News reported that Allen Ford had sold 661 new cars and commercial vehicles, 656 pre-owned cars and commercial vehicles, serviced cars and turned over £14.7 million in 2014.

Describing Allen Ford’s new development itself, the planning statement states: "The proposed layout seeks to improve the customer relationship by offering a clearly delineated front and back-of-house arrangement, but with an internal view between the two.

"The rear of the showroom will have a small lounge area where customers can wait and view the car workshop through full-height glazing. Offices will flank this central customer area with a conference room and staff facilities at first floor level.”