PLANS for a new Lidl supermarket in Thornbury have been approved unanimously by councillors – despite concerns it will have a “massive impact” on town centre traders.
South Gloucestershire Council’s development management committee granted permission yesterday to bulldoze vacant offices in Midland Way and build a new store after hearing the German discount chain could convert the existing building into a food store without consent anyway, and that the effect on local retailers would be the same as the proposed scheme.
More than 100 residents wrote in support of the proposals, which involve the demolition of West Park House, the former Alexandra Workwear clothing unit on Thornbury Industrial Estate.
There were 25 objections, including from Aldi, Co-op and Tesco, which have stores in the town.
Traders ‘gravely concerned’
Thornbury Chamber of Commerce chairman Alan Cole told the meeting: “Our members are gravely concerned about this development.
“Thornbury has undergone and endured a chaotic five years following on from covid, through disruption to the high street and the changes made to it.
“We then anticipated and hoped for a period of recovery in the town where business could rebuild, customer confidence could be regained and the town centre could begin to flourish again as the sustainable heart of Thornbury.
“Then it was quickly followed by the announcement by the local authority that parking charges would be introduced.
“It’s another major challenge to businesses and services in the town and we’re deeply concerned that it’s going to have a massive impact on how the town looks and how it prospers in the future.
“Members of the chamber of commerce are also very concerned about Lidl’s plans to establish this supermarket.
“Trade would be drawn away from the town centre.”
He said the chamber was not convinced that Lidl would actually convert the existing building into a supermarket if planning permission was refused.
Mr Cole said: “Please give us a chance to recover and rebuild our town centre and establish a foundation where we can continue to serve the community.
“I’ve worked in the town for 35 years and I’ve never known the town centre to be in such jeopardy.
“If you want to prevent an ongoing cycle of decline, we would ask you to vote against this proposal.”
Ward councillor Chris Davies (Lib Dem, Thornbury) said the huge recent rise in the town’s population had not been accompanied by any new supermarkets in 30 years.
He said: “It is obvious that a third supermarket is needed now and wanted.
“This site is not perfect for a supermarket but officers recommend that development is allowed, and I agree.”
Lidl would open a store ‘regardless’ of planning decision
Lidl regional head of property Glen Stidever said more than 2,500 people had supported the plans since they were announced and that there were no suitable alternative sites nearer the town centre.
He said the premises could be converted into a food store without planning permission because it would not require a change of use under planning rules.
Mr Stidever said: “The proposed Lidl store would not cause any material retail impact when compared with the occupation by Lidl of the existing building.
“This is an important material consideration.
“The reality is therefore that Lidl will soon open a new food store on this site regardless of members’ decision today, as there is a lawful fallback option for Lidl to occupy the current building.”
He said highways officers raised no concerns about traffic safety issues and that it was the “clear will of local residents” for the plans to be approved.
South Gloucestershire Council’s tree and landscape officers objected to the proposals, along with St Mary Shopping Centre, while the residents who opposed the redevelopment cited dangerously poor visibility at the junction with Whitebridge Gardens and noise from delivery lorries.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Picture: Computer generated image of how the proposed Lidl store in Thornbury would look (SMR Architects/Lidl)