Requirement for a new Lidl store

Some of you said that there are enough supermarkets locally and asked why a store was needed here. Lidl’s catchment area is much smaller than other supermarkets with a focus on serving the very local community. A Lidl store at Bushby would serve the local area and is accessible by bus, walking and cycling.

Habitat & Biodiversity

Habitat and Biodiversity discussions are ongoing with Leicestershire County Council. A comprehensive landscaping plan is proposed alongside the development, and trees across the site will be retained where possible.

Neighbourhood Amenity

Lidl works hard to be a good neighbour, and our operations aim to minimise disruption for nearby residents.

Lidl stores typically have just one or two HGV deliveries per day. All recycling and waste is taken away on the return journey, reducing the number of service vehicles visiting the site.

Lidl stores have internal loading bays to reduce noise impact.

The lights in the store will be switched off after the store is closed and lights in the car park are directed away from neighbouring properties.

Traffic

Comments were raised around possible congestion on Zouche Way. Comprehensive discussions took place prior to submission of the planning application and are ongoing between Lidl and Leicestershire County Council’s Highways Department.

A Transport Assessment and Travel Plan accompanies the application, which demonstrates that the volume of traffic is acceptable for the site. Peak trading hours for Lidl stores tend not to coincide with the morning and evening peak hours for traffic. Most cars expected to visit Lidl are already on the road network, for example travelling to or from work or visiting a supermarket elsewhere. Therefore these are not new, additional journeys.

Design

Comments were made questioning the design of the scheme and its suitability within the local area. A Design and Access Statement and Heritage Statement were developed and submitted as part of the planning application, confirming that the proposed design is in keeping with existing and planned buildings within the surrounding area. Proposed landscaping will help to screen the development and complement the site’s surroundings.