Lidl vows to build new store after Wiltshire border planning loss

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 06:22 · Archive

Lidl says opening a new store near the Wiltshire border remains a priority after Bath and North East Somerset Council refused planning permission on October 21.

Bath and North East Somerset Council rejected Lidl's application for a new supermarket on London Road on October 21, ending a years-long planning battle. The store would have been Lidl's second in Bath, the first on the eastern side of the city near villages like Box and close to the Wiltshire border.

The council warned of 'severe highway impact' from the supermarket on the congested road, and raised concerns about effects on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, bats and nearby shops in Larkhall. The proposed store had faced fierce opposition from other retailers including the Co-op in Larkhall and Bath's larger supermarkets such as Morrisons and Waitrose.

Lidl said in a statement that it is 'currently reviewing the full details of the refusal to determine our next steps' and that 'delivering an additional store for Bath remains a priority'. The company added that it continues to explore other potential opportunities across the wider area. Lidl said it was grateful for local resident support during the application process and recognised that 'pre-existing highway challenges along London Road remain complex'.

How it is being reported

• Lidl determined to build new store near Wiltshire border after planning defeatLidl has said that opening a new location near the Wiltshire border “remains a priority”.Wiltshire Times · 31 Oct, 05:00
• Lidl determined to build new store near Wiltshire border after planning defeatLidl has said that opening a new location near the Wiltshire border “remains a priority”.Gazette & Herald · 31 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Lidl GB · Bath and North East Somerset Council · Bath · Wiltshire · Box · Larkhall

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log