[An artist’s impression of the proposed store taken from the current application]
Less than two years after failing to get planning permission for a proposed food store on the London Road, Lidl foodstore is back with fresh proposals for a supermarket with parking for 81 cars.
They own the site next to the Lambridge Training Ground and close to the junction of the Gloucester Road with London Road.
They have had a rethink about how traffic will enter and leave the proposed development, with a new access arm at the Gloucester Road signal-controlled junction, with pedestrian and cycle provision also made at the same junction.
You can view the details for yourselves via https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/details.html?refval=25%2F01403%2FFUL
It’s a lot to absorb, and obviously, the company has had a serious rethink regarding design and access.
However, its original intentions, once the site had been purchased, were met with visible protest.
Many local people, traders and our MP voiced their objections. Concerns were raised about safety, badly affecting local businesses and destroying a wildlife haven. It remains to be seen what the reaction will be now.
Following B&NES allowing a residential further up this stretch and alongside the A46 roundabout, l don’t see how this application can be refused.
I hear the developers of those new houses want to see the bus lane reduced outside their development to make it easier for those who buy their houses to get in and out.
If Lidl gets the thumbs up from B&NES councillors this time around, l don’t see the point of a bus lane along that stretch at all.
UPDATE I asked the two Green councillors representing the Lambridge Ward, in which this land sits, for comment.
I have received the following from Cllr Joanna Wright, which she supplied on behalf of herself and fellow councillor Saskia Heijltjes.
“As ward councillors for Lambridge, we are aware of the new application from Lidl on the London Road.
Planning Reference 25/01403/FUL was put in place this week, which again requests permission to build a superstore at the entrance to a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We previously objected to a similar application because it impacted on local amenities in Lambridge, which were:
1. Impact on the local shops in Lambridge
2. Highways, traffic and transport
3. Principle of development in areas of high risk of flooding
4. Heritage
5. Design
6. Landscape
7. Ecology and trees
From the first viewing of the paperwork for 25/01403/FUL, it would appear that the many issues raised still remain, most notably the issues of highways, traffic and transport.
For example, the amended highway design includes a gap in the bus lane, which could lead to delays to buses travelling along London Road, including school buses
We will be writing to the Planning Officer and asking that this item is called to the B&NES Planning Committee and that we object to this development.”
