Lidl wins approval to build new supermarket in Calne

The huge development will see the supermarket giant set up their 2,280sq metre shop near the junction of Oxford Road and Beversbrook Road in Calne, along with the construction of ten employment units.

130 parking spaces, service roads and landscaping for both the store and the employment units will also be erected at the site, which is currently a greenfield site.

Deliberations over the application have been rumbling on for over two years, with revised plans submitted several months after the original application.

Planning permission for the proposal was finally granted, subject to conditions, on April 19, almost two years after the original deadline for a decision.

Plans for the store (Image: Lidl)

The council cited the improvement of the “economic, social and environmental conditions of the area” as a key reason for this decision.

Lidl will be bound by a number of conditions in order for approval to be valid, including the use of each new space, the landscaping of the site and the completion of access routes and adequate parking spaces for both cars and bicycles.

There will be restrictions on when deliveries and collections can be made at the store, with none permitted outside of 6am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday or 7am to 6pm on Sundays and bank holidays, in order to reduce the impact on surrounding residents.

A noise-mitigation scheme will also need to be approved by the local authority before the store is brought into use.

The development will see a new road crossing and pavement improvements provided along the A3102.

The mayor of Calne, Cllr Tony Trotman, welcomed the decision.

An example typical Lidl store used in the design and access statement (Image: Lidl)

He said: "I know that many residents will be pleased that planning permission has been granted by Wiltshire Council as this allows a new retailer to come to Calne.

“We look forward to welcoming the Lidl store and business unit development which will also provide a new road crossing and pavement improvements along the A3102"

The timeline for the construction of the store is currently unknown, although it must begin within the next three years to abide by the council’s conditions, and Lidl have previously committed to opening as soon as possible.

In their design and access statement, the German chain said: “Given Lidl’s commitment to invest in Calne, the proposed development will, if consented, be constructed at the earliest opportunity and will add to Calne’s retail offering.”