Lidl gets planning go ahead to build bigger store in Mablethorpe

German supermarket chain Lidl looks set to strengthen its position in Mablethorpe after being given the planning green light to replace its existing store in the town with a larger premises.

These will be located off the junction of High Street and Stanley Avenue, with the existing store -built in 1998 and extended in 2010 - plus a bungalow and garage earmarked for demolition.

Both vehicular and pedestrian accesses will be constructed, and there will be 101 car parking spaces.

However, the consent of district councillors seemed grudging with concerns expressed in presentations to East Lindsey planning committee both by town councillor Coun Tony Mee and district councillor Coun Stephen Palmer.

These focused on traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, appearance and potential noise and other disturbance to neighbours.

“It will be out of character with the street scene,”protested Coun Palmer.

“The town deserves a better proposal than this.”

During the committee debate, Coun Stuart Watson also expressed his dislike for the design of the proposed new store.

“It should be improved,” he insisted.

“It’s not agreeable to its surroundings.”

However, councillors voted 8-1 in favour, with two abstentions, after chairman Coun Neil Cooper demanded: “This project is going to create more jobs and more economic activity - do you really want to say no?”

Earlier, they noted that the development had been recommended for approval by case officer Graeme Hyde who said in his report: “Lidl is a long-term operator within Mablethorpe, and it has identified a need to upgrade and enlarge its store to improve both its own operations and efficiency and the customer experience.

“The details are considered acceptable. In addition, a new zebra crossing is to be provided on High Street at the request of the highways authority.”

The new larger store will accommodate a 24 per cent increase in sales area. It will be mostly single-storey with a small first- floor area for staff accommodation.

Lidl had hoped that deliveries would be permitted between 7am and 9pm, but the committee imposed a condition amending the latter time to 7pm to minimise inconvenience to neighbours.

For the full reaction to the plans, see next week’s Mablethorpe Leader, out on Wednesday (May 18).