A NEW discount supermarket could be set to open in Burntwood after planning officers at Lichfield District Council recommended the application be given the green light.
Lidl is hoping to build a store off Cannock Road with 125 car parking spaces.
The proposals would also include an in-store bakery, customer toilets and office spaces.
But two local residents have objected to the planned development.
Liam Perry said:
“Burntwood doesn’t need another supermarket when there are already two at different price points and many others in a small radius – and there’s also the progression towards online shopping. “
It is anticipated that the store will create up to 40 full and part time jobs in store.
The application is subject to a section 106 agreement being signed by mid-Febuary.
A planning report said:
“The application seeks to redevelop part of a site allocated for retail, leisure and community uses within Burntwood’s town centre through the delivery of a Lidl discount food store.
“While local retail offerings in the context of supermarkets is not inadequate, the submission shows how Lidl delivers a materially different ‘product’ to the retail and discount food store marketplace
“This should be regarded as enhancing local retail provision, rather than diluting or competing with existing local and national offerings.
“The development is not objected to by Burntwood Town Council and would provide employment for up to 40 people.”
The application will be determined by the planning committee at Lichfield District Council on 18th November.
Another supermarket nononono
There is an Aldi not too far away from this proposed plot where Lidl want to build on so it’s absolute madness to give this application planning permission! I’m not sure what planet some of these LDC planning officers live on but this is a bizarre decision even by their standards!
I know a few people who Drive to Lidl Lichfield to shop .
They say more choice in products available ? And many items cheaper ….40 New Jobs. .?created that’s a good one,
Area much tidier than now, Great?.
Competition with other two Supermarkets .?
NO idea what other outlets would wish to come to Burntwood.
So on the fence with this one,
I note the disillusionment with the prospect of a Lidl store, but is any other income creating business biting the owner’s hand off to input investment to this site ? It’s been fallow for a decade and a half in an area zoned for development. It’s a common feature of many locations to have an Aldi, a Lidl and another supermarket in close proximity, all providing a variety of retail emphasis and creating employment.
I love such options, as I have retail preferences at all 3 choices, so will visit all 3 from a single car destination. Tamworth has 3 Aldis, 2 Lidls and at least a dozen other food retail options without any conflict. or excess provision. Customers are consequently well served, so welcome such forthcoming opportunity within Burntwood. It’s more appealing than a proliferation of eateries.
@Scotto, it isn’t Madness at all. Although I did enjoy their pop music in the 1980s, Our House, Baggy Trousers, etc. LDC can only comment on the legality of an application, and whether it fits in with other plans. If Mr Lidl wants to open a shop near Mr Aldi’s shop, it’s not LDC planning officers who can say whether he can. LDC planning officers cannot tell Mr BnM or Mr Marks or Mr Spencer to open a shop at a particular location, they can only assess application they have received.
So, it is not bizarre, and most LDC planning officers live on this very same planet. Bless them.