A new Lidl store could be coming to Enfield.

The food retailer confirmed it is “exploring options” to open a new Enfield outlet after councillors approved a plan to divide the former Toys ‘R’ Us store at Enfield Retail Park, on the A10, into two separate units.

At a meeting of Enfield Council’s planning committee on Tuesday (February 4), a council officer said the larger unit “has already been earmarked for Lidl”, with the smaller space earmarked for a “large electronic goods retailer”.

Lidl later said in a statement: “We are in the process of exploring various options to bring a new Lidl store to Enfield and look forward to sharing any firm plans with the community as soon as we’re in a position to do so.”

The council officer admitted there were concerns the plans could lead to increased congestion and delays, with vehicles circling around the car park looking for parking spaces.

But he said the retailers could occupy the site regardless of whether the current application was approved, leading to the same issues.

Andrew Corrin, planner at Lambert Smith Hampton, told the meeting: “The closure of Toys ‘R’ Us in 2018 has brought many challenges to the administrators and applicant – especially in a retail sector that is clearly distressed, with little investment in recent years.

“Therefore, the success of securing two tenants, including Lidl, should be seen as a positive.”

He added: “Lidl have confirmed their occupation of one of these units is part of their expansion throughout Enfield and the South.”

In June last year, Lidl revealed plans to invest £500 million in London over the next five years.

The discount retailer plans to open more than 40 new stores, creating around 1,500 jobs in the capital.

The plans to divide the former Toys ‘R’ Us store into two units were approved by all members of the committee.