Business · Chippenham
Lidl remains committed to new store near Wiltshire border after planning refusal
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Supermarket chain Lidl has confirmed it still intends to open a new store near the Wiltshire border despite Bath and North East Somerset Council rejecting its latest planning application.
Lidl has reaffirmed its intention to establish a new store on the eastern edge of Bath, citing the location as a priority for the supermarket chain despite a recent planning refusal. Bath and North East Somerset Council rejected the application for the London Road site on 21 October, citing significant concerns over highway safety, potential ecological harm to local bat populations, and the impact on the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site.
The proposed development, which would have provided an additional store to serve the eastern side of Bath and neighbouring Wiltshire communities such as Box, proved highly controversial. During the planning process, the council received 739 objections, compared to 259 letters of support. Local opponents, including Bath MP Wera Hobhouse, raised concerns about the impact of increased traffic on the already congested London Road corridor and the potential for the store to disrupt existing local independent businesses in Larkhall.
A spokesperson for Lidl GB confirmed that the company is currently reviewing the reasons for the refusal to decide on its next steps. The spokesperson stated: "Delivering an additional store for Bath remains a priority, and alongside assessing this site, we continue to explore other potential opportunities across the wider area to deliver for local shoppers."
The company also acknowledged the support it received from local residents who had argued in favour of the store, citing the current lack of budget supermarket alternatives in that part of the city. Currently, the only Lidl location in Bath is situated in Twerton, on the opposite side of the city.
The planning decision has been welcomed by local ward representatives, including Green councillors Joanna Wright and Saskia Heijltjes, who had opposed the project due to the infrastructure and heritage concerns. The rejection is part of a broader period of planning difficulty for the retailer, which was also recently refused permission for a new site in Cheddar. The company has hinted that it may consider appeals to the Planning Inspectorate regarding these decisions as it seeks to expand its footprint in the region.
Source: Gazette & Herald · View original