Lidl’s response

In response to the petition, a Lidl GB spokesman told our sister website Bath Live: “We were naturally disappointed to learn of the petition.

“As a discount supermarket, we exist to provide households with access to good food at affordable prices. As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, and with increasing demand in Bath, this is more important now than ever before.

“The store will be designed to the highest standard incorporating sustainable features such as electric vehicle rapid charging facilities and an extensive green roof. The site will also benefit from significant landscaping and new tree planting.

“Along with the creation of new jobs for the local community, our plans will also help to facilitate funding opportunities for the amateur club, helping to revitalise the facilities and have secured the long-term future of Bath RFC at Lambridge.

“Our teams will soon be closely consulting with both local businesses and the wider community, to provide the opportunity for feedback ahead of plans being submitted.

“The planning application will also be supported by a number of reports, including landscape, arboriculture, ecology, retail and transport impact, which will be rigorously assessed by Bath and North East Somerset Council. We look forward to updating the community further and sharing details of our consultation in due course.”