The return of plans to build a Lidl in Bath have reignited a fierce debate over whether the east of Bath wants the budget supermarket.
How the new store could look | Image © Lidl GB
Lidl’s original plan to build its second supermarket in Bath on a field on London Road was met with a protest and over 1,500 comments on the planning application.
But last July, Lidl withdrew that application and said it would submit an improved plan once it had carried out highways surveys and other work.
Now the budget supermarket chain has submitted a new application, which it says has been designed to mitigate any impact on traffic on London Road.
Because it is a new application, none of the original comments carry over. But, within days, over 60 people have lodged comments on the new application — and it is pretty evenly split between those for and against.
So far, 37 people have submitted objections to the plans, while 30 have said they are in favour. “We do not need another supermarket on the east side of Bath,” said objector Ashley McCracken.
They added: “We already have Morrisons, Coop and a host of independent shops in Larkhall. It will only increase traffic in an already heavily congested area.”
Laurea Beresford added: “Why does anyone think it is a good idea to cover unbuilt green land that presently soaks up and helps slow down flood water?”
But commenting in support, Abbey Hall said: “I’m looking forward to a supermarket with reasonable prices on this side of the city. Plans look aesthetically pleasing on what is basically some disused grassland.”
Annemarie Dewar-Smith added: “We need a low-cost supermarket across this side of town, not all families are middle-class who can afford to shop in the local village weekly.”
The original planning application saw 1,194 people lodge objections to the plans, and 402 people lodge comments in support. Lidl said the new plans included “significant updates” to traffic management, new landscaping, and an updated retail assessment, which Lidl said confirmed that it would not have a significant negative impact on nearby shopping areas. It would create up to 40 jobs.
Glen Stidever, Lidl’s regional head of property, said: “This store has been a major focus for our team, and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that it not only meets the growing demand for affordable, high-quality grocery products but also fits seamlessly into the local environment, resulting in the best experience possible for both local residents and our customers.
“Through extensive consultation and careful planning, we have revised our proposals in key areas such as design, traffic management, and landscaping to create a store that is truly befitting of the location and safe and accessible for all.
“We believe this revised plan will provide even greater benefits for the local community, and we look forward to receiving further feedback as we move towards the planning determination later this year.”
You can view and comment on the new planning application here.
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter
