Council grants permission to Lidl to relocate Derry supermarket

The store is to move a short distance, to a vacant area at the corner of Buncrana Road and Springtown Road.

The plans, which include an access road and carparking, was given the green light by members of Council’s Planning Committee last week.

The meeting was told that the application included a request for the existing Lidl building to be retained and for it’s use to be changed to storage with ancillary trade counter.

Members at the meeting heard how the applicants, Lidl, has a shortage of parking spaces.

There is also limited staff welfare and storage facilities at the existing site.

They also heard there is no room to expand on the current site and that the proposal will allow for increased floor space and staff facilities.

They were informed that the existing Lidl store is in an established retail facility on the Buncrana Road and the replacement will continue to serve the local shopping need.

Members were advised that this is the first instance of Council dealing with a Discontinuance Order to remove the existing use and replace the use in the new site.

Legal advice was sought and considered as part of the recommendation.

The meeting heard that objections to the application related to car parking, traffic congestion, lack of public transport and pedestrian safety.

The Planning Committee voted unanimously in favour of the proposals and full planning permission was granted subject to conditions.

The Chair of the Planning Committee Colr. Christopher Jackson said he welcomed the investment by Lidl.

He also welcomed the company’s plans to improve accessibility for the public and the plans for new staff facilities.

Lidl opened its first store in Ireland in 1999. There are now 200 Lidl stores on the island of Ireland, including 38 in the North, and the company currently employs over 5,000 people.

This month’s Planning Committee was held at the Guildhall over two days.

It was attended by members of the planning committee and officials only and broadcast live to the public.

Anyone looking for planning information on application forms, planning fees and planning applications are encouraged to visit the planning portal.

This can be accessed at www.planningni.gov.uk/public-access-info or e mail: [email protected] or phone: 028 71 253253.