Bath’s MP, Wera Hobhouse, has said the new Lidl store on the London Road “should not go ahead” due to the impact it could have on local heritage and the environment.
How the new Lidl store could look | Photo © Lidl GB
The German supermarket group revealed back in May that it was planning to create a bespoke store beside Bath RFC’s Lambridge training ground.
A public consultation was later held, with members of the public saying the development would cause an increase in traffic and impact the ecology of the site.
The multi-million-pound store could create around 40 new jobs in the community.
Final plans for the site were submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council last month.
Speaking about the proposed development, Mrs Hobhouse said: “Following the formal planning application’s submission for the proposed Lidl on the London Road, I felt it necessary to outline my opposition to this specific development once more.
A view of the proposed store | Photo © Lidl GB
“I appreciate that Lidl have engaged with residents through a public consultation and I am grateful that the organisation also consulted me on the plans.
“However, I still feel that the proposal is one that should not go ahead and I will be submitting a formal letter of objection against the specific development.
“I must stress again, the decision for planning approval lies with the B&NES Council planning committee. As Bath’s MP, my concerns remain, however.
“The proposed site which lies along the river has significant biological diversity. It is also located at the gateway into our unique World Heritage City which has two UNESCO accolades.
“The area surrounding the proposed development is one of low density housing and green spaces and there are no other commercial outlets nearby.
“Protecting our city’s extraordinary heritage and nature sites, as well as the distinctive character of the local area must continue to be ensured.
“I have not been convinced that these priorities will not be deeply compromised if the specific proposed development were to be given the green light.
“I recognise that the ongoing cost-of-living crisis impacts those on the lowest incomes most acutely. Discount food stores enable people to make real savings in their household budgets.
“As I have said previously, I am open to working with Lidl, or any other retailer, to ensure that an adequate supply of affordable food is an option for all.”
Speaking after the planning application was submitted, Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, Glen Stidever, said: “This planning submission follows a detailed and sustained piece of proactive engagement with the community, local heritage and architectural stakeholders, as well as local businesses.
“We are grateful for the significant number of responses we have received for this site and strongly believe our planning application also carefully addresses considerations including biodiversity, heritage, highways and local businesses.”
