New Lidl on Shrewsbury's western edge approved

A new Lidl is coming to Shrewsbury after the retailer was granted permission to build a new supermarket.

The new store - which will have 97 parking spaces - will be near the Co-op in Bicton Heath, off Welshpool Road.

The retailer was also granted outline permission for a new care home and houses on the site after Shropshire Council's northern planning committee considered the proposal on Tuesday (October 20).

That was after Lidl scrapped plans for a drive-thru coffee shop.

The main issue members considered was the impact the scheme would have on traffic.

"We need to have a clear understanding of the impacts in real life on the road network, based on different policy outcomes and deliverables," said Councillor Ben Jephcott (Liberal Democrats, Bagley), who chaired the meeting.

"However, this application facing us today clearly has to proceed on the assumption that the North West Relief Road [NWRR] isn't going to happen and we also cannot rely on the Oxon Link Road happening. We have to look at the road network as it is now."

Councillor Jon Tandy (Lib Dems, Bicton Heath) told members that Lidl's assertion that there would be no significant impact on Churncote Island appeared to rely on the assumption that customers will travel from the east.

"This is questionable," said Councillor Tandy.

"Customers will also travel from the west of the A5, including Ford and beyond, as well as Hanwood, Pontesbury, Minsterley, Nescliffe, as well as Bicton village, from whom this will be their nearest Lidl.

"Numerous nearby roads will be impacted. My concern is that the applicant has been allowed to undertake only limited traffic surveys at the initial scoping stage."

Councillor Ed Potter (Conservatives, Loton) said that, while he welcomes a more affordable retail offering to residents, he agreed with Councillor Tandy about the impact of traffic, particularly on “rat-run” through roads. The cumulative impact of nearby developments also needs to be considered, added Councillor Potter.

"It will funnel an awful lot of traffic through Calcott Lane and Shepherd's Lane onto Welshpool Road," he said.

Jonathan Harper, representing Lidl, said the firm has worked with Shropshire Council to bring forward a proposal "which will contribute positively to the surrounding area and provide an appropriate extension to Bicton Heath local centre".

"There are a number of clear tangible benefits of this scheme which should be noted. The development represents a significant investment from Lidl, which will undoubtedly boost the local economy, and will result in the creation of around 40 new jobs."

Mr Harper added that Lidl has consulted with of number of care homes who confirmed there is a local need.

"The council's own evidence also says there is a need," he said.

The committee heard that a traffic assessment was done “on the worst case scenario” - which was without the now-cancelled NWRR being built.

They also heard that, while the exact number of houses has not been put forward, “around 20” has previously been mentioned.

"My main concern is about the cumulative impact," said Councillor Gregory Ebbs (Lib Dems, Whitchurch South).

"But provided that highways makes this a key topic of further study in the future, I will be minded to propose to support it."

Councillor Jephcott asked members what they thought about there being a roundabout by the Little Oxon Lane junction.

"The road does look like a racetrack and traffic does go somewhat faster than 30mph," said Councillor Jephcott.

Councillor Potter, though, said the idea concerned him.

"A small roundabout could create more congestion," he said, adding that the crossing is used very frequently.

Councillor Ebbs's proposal was then put forward, seconded by Councillor Brendan Mallon (Reform, Tern). Seven members voted to support the application subject to conditions and delegated authority, with three against.