Tree planting is part of chain’s store site plans
SUPERMARKET VISION UNVEILED
LIDL has offered up a first look at what its proposed Linthorpe store could look like.
The German chain has launched a public consultation on its draft plans for a new supermarket on the former Northern School of Art campus on Green Lane.
There would be a multi-millionpound investment in the project and it would create around 40 new jobs.
Lidl sparked controversy when it felled trees at the site in November last year shortly after it bought the former art college. Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald and Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston both came out in opposition to the store.
As part of the plans, there will be an investment in tree planting across the site, with protected trees retained, and the existing hedgerow will be maintained and extended.
Lidl will need to be granted planning permission by Middlesbrough Council for the new store to go ahead.
A spokesperson for Lidl GB said: “We have been looking to bring a Lidl store to Linthorpe for some time and are delighted to share these proposals for a new store within the local community.
“A new supermarket would provide residents with access to high-quality and affordable produce, whilst representing an extensive investment in the area, along with the creation of new jobs.
“We hope that as many people as possible are able to participate in our public consultation. We look forward to sharing our plans and receiving feedback from local residents.”
Information leaflets with a Freepost feedback form are being sent to more than 18,000 residents locally.
When the Local Democracy Reporting Service asked Linthorpe residents whether they would like to see a Lidl at the site, there was an overwhelming response against it. People complained about a potential increase in traffic, some were still annoyed about the loss of the trees and others felt a supermarket wasn’t needed.
Tracey Webb, 54, who lives opposite the site, said: “We are not a fan, not at all. It was obvious it was going to get knocked down and something else was going to get built but it’s not the right area for Lidl.”
When asked if she would avoid the store, she added: “I would say I would like to boycott it but I don’t know, you say you would but then it gets six months down the line and you need something.”
A number of people we spoke to would have preferred a Waitrose, Tesco, Asda or Sainsbury’s on the site.
Plans have also been submitted for a new store on Low Lane, near where the road crosses the A174.
There does not appear to be the same level of opposition to this store and most people we spoke to were happy with the plans.
Lidl already has two stores in Middlesbrough, one on Newport Road and the other on Cargo Fleet Lane. People can share their views by calling 0800 089 0361 or emailing linthorpelidl@new-stores.co.uk.