PLANS for a new Lidl supermarket in a leafy town are now at the centre ofa row after hundreds of locals said they don't want it.
The discount chain has put in plans to build a new store next to Bath Rugby ’s Lambridge Training ground on London Road.
So far over 900 people have objected to the new Lidl store on Bath and North East Somerset Council's planning portal.
Local man John Eames said: "It is unnecessary as Bath is well-provided with supermarkets across all price sectors.
"Lidl already have a Bath store. Their presence on London Road will damage the Larkhall community of shops.
"Precious wildlife stands to be ousted by this project. The riverside is a valuable and glorious resource for wildlife and humans alike.”
Bryony Wade agreed. She wrote: “The London Road is really very busy and usually more or less at a standstill.
"Any more traffic — and there would be lots from a supermarket — will make it a permanent gridlock.
“The area for the proposed development is a lovely wildlife haven and a necessary green space to help counteract the pollution from the road.
"In our current position where we are trying desperately to reduce carbon emissions. It is hardly suitable to destroy green space and add to carbon emissions with new buildings.”
Most read in The Sun
EasyJet flight forced to make emergency landing just minutes after takeoff
Founding member of the Eagles dies after serious illness
Brute who ran over and killed cyclist nailed after fiancee revealed confession
Celeb chef James Martin reveals shock cancer diagnosis after 'bully' claims
Nearly 300 people voiced their support for the new scheme.
Susan Lock said: “Bath is in need of a further discount store and this
design presented at the current Lidl’s store shows an awareness of the requirements of a green build.
“This store would also alleviate the current store of the large numbers using the original store and help reduce the
travel at the Lower Bristol Road.”
Speaking when the planning application was submitted in June, Lidl GB’s head of property Glen Stidever said: “We fully recognise the special qualities of the local area and have worked hard to develop suitable proposals, benefiting from engagement with local heritage and architectural experts to inform this exemplar store design.
"We believe that this work means that we have put together a very compelling case for a new store on this site.”
The application is set to be decided by the council’s planning committee.
Chair of the committee, Duncan Hounsell, said: “This application is of great public interest in both the local and wider area.”
Source: Read Full Article
