Discount supermarket chain Lidl is planning to build a store opposite Waitrose in Keynsham and says it is a better location than the site earmarked further out of town by rival Aldi.
The Jewson site opposite Waitrose in Keynsham
Aldi put in a planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council almost two years ago to build a store on the former Brincliffe Nursery on Bath Road.
There have been many comments of support for a lower-priced supermarket in the town, as well as many objections, with concerns including the impact on traffic on the already busy A4 due to new housing developments.
Planning consultants for Lidl recently lodged an objection to Aldi’s proposed store, and made reference to a pre-application submission that was made to the council last December for the Jewson’s site at Broadmead Lane.
They said the need for a limited assortment discount (LAD) store in Keynsham is not disputed, but the Jewson site is situated much closer to the town centre than the Brincliffe Nursery and should be considered to be sequentially preferable.
Now Lidl has applied for prior approval to knock down two industrial buildings, said to be no longer fit for purpose.
Demolition would start on 1st May and be completed by 19th June. Demolition hours would be 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 7.30am to 1pm on Saturdays. No Sunday works are anticipated.
The planning reference is 26/01254/DEM and consultation closes on 30th April.
