Lidl resubmits plans for new Calne store after Tesco protest

A proposal for a new Lidl supermarket to the east of Oxford Road in Calne was resubmitted to Wiltshire Council on October 11.

This comes after permission for a 2,280sq metre shop, equipped with ten employment units, was granted in April before being overturned just months later.

The decision to halt the scheme came after Tesco representatives wrote to the council claiming that planning policy had not been followed correctly.

After taking legal advice, the council confirmed they had scrapped planning permission for the budget retail store, meaning the application would need to be reconsidered.

Lidl has now formally resubmitted its proposals, sparking a consultation period that will last until November 9.

What the store could look like (Image: Lidl)In the days following the resubmission of plans for consideration, over a dozen residents have commented in support of a new store.

One local said: “It is vital that this application is approved, Calne is poorly provided with retail opportunities and even though this site is out of town this will improve the facilities for the residents.”

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Another shopper added: “Please listen to the locals and agree to support other businesses that are trying to help Calne diversify.

“Let's fill up all the units and help Calne get back to a town that people love to visit.”

Cllr Asley O’Neil, the representative for Calne Rural, has also voiced support for the project in the past.

In September he said: “There is significant support in the Calne community for a discount supermarket option and I hope that the application will be determined again as soon as possible."

Plans for the new store (Image: Lidl)If approved the plans would see the construction of a large new store, several employment units, and over 100 parking spaces.

Lidl claims the plans have received support from 4,000 people and would create 300 jobs in the community.

The supermarket giant has previously committed to building the new store as quickly as possible if planning permission is granted.

In their original 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.”

The decision deadline for the updated proposal is January 10, 2024.

In September, Tesco emphasised they do not object to the majority of planning applications submitted by their rivals and insisted they only do so based on material planning considerations.