Lidl things mean a lot of new jobs
ARCHWAY TO BE MOVED TO ACCOMMODATE NEW SHOP
Reporter UP to 40 new jobs are set to be created if plans for a supermarket on a former pithead are given the go ahead.
Lidl wants to build a 1,234sqm store in Consett, which will create 40 jobs, on land to the west of Delves Lane.
The site was part of the Crookhall Colliery and hosted the Latterday Saints Pit followed by the Victory Pit.
Lidl had sought permission to demolish a number of derelict buildings on the site, including the entrance archway to the Victory Pit.
But a decision on the application was deferred by Durham County Council north area planning committee last month.
A number of letters were received saying the proposal should only be approved if the archway was saved.
North West Durham MP Laura Pidcock, Durham Mining Museum and the Crookhall Foundation and Councillor Malcolm Clark were among those who wrote to say the archway is an important part of the area’s heritage.
Lidl has now agreed to keep the archway but it will be located to a new position on the site.
The planning committee will meet on Thursday to consider revised plans, which have been recommended for approval. In a report by planning bosses, it states: “Following deferral of the item, opportunities to retain the archway on site in a meaningful form on the site have been explored further.
“These positive discussions have culminated in the applicant submitting a revised layout plan which highlights the retention of the archway on the site, and details the extent of the archway that would be retained.
“The archway would be repositioned in an area of grassed open space within the site and would largely consist of the façade with associated pitched roof, together with the construction of associated brick piers to provide structural support.”
The archway will be dismantled and rebuilt brick by brick to retain its character.
Access to the store will be from Delves Lane and there will be car parking for 131 vehicles.
There will also be a vehicle loading and servicing area beside the building.
The report adds: “The proposed development would improve the appearance of what is a currently under utilised brownfield site, which would in overall terms enhance the character and appearance of the area.
“Additionally, the development would lead to the creating of 40 job opportunities, which would offset the loss of the existing smaller store, as well as provide additional employment, and also increased consumer choice.”