Mixed response to new Lidl bid
A NEW Lidl supermarket that could open in Havant has been welcomed by residents despite environmental concerns.
Havant Borough Council willdecidewhethertoapprove a new foodstore located off the roundaboutonPurbrookWay, adjacent to a B&Q.
Thenewfacilitywillprovide 1,256 square metres of shopping space with free customer parking, bringing with it up to 40 new jobs and a 132-space customer car park.
In a statement Lidl said: ‘Lidl has been interested in opening a store in this area for some time. A new store off Purbrook Way will bring enhanced choice and competition for shoppers in North West Havant, Purbrook and
Widley.’ Since the planning application was submitted in 2020 the council has received 49 letters from the public, made up of 13 objections and 36supportingrepresentations.
One resident said: ‘I am in favour of a Havant Lidl's food store west of B&Q. This would cut down our shopping trips by not having to go as far as Porchester to reach a Lidl's store, and is close to the Asda hypermarket,theotheronewe use regularly.’
Another letter added the supermarketwillbeinaprime location.
'Easytoaccessfromthesurrounding road networks and would give local neighbourhoods a choice of large food retailers,' the support said.
'At present Asda have the monopoly of the area, therefore this new store would rectify the imbalance.’
However, the Havant Climate Alliance and Friends of the Earth submitted an objection outlining environmental concerns.
‘Havant Borough has more than enough supermarkets andthereisanotherLidl'sstore just 2.1 km away in Leigh Park,' thecampaignbodywarnedthe council.
‘Thefoodstorewillincrease traffic congestion and reduce airqualityaroundtheadjacent roundabout and roads leading to it.
‘At busy times, traffic is often backed up along the B&Q exit road, back to the car park.’
The comment also outlined that the development will resultin‘excessivelossofhealthy trees’ according to the arboriculturist report.
Council officers have recommended granting permission, but the decision date has been postponed after the applicant withdrew it from Thursday's planning committee.