Lidl is to open a new store on the outskirts of Stockport town centre despite claims it will be a ‘blot on the landscape for decades to come’. Councillors have given the discount retailer permission to build the supermarket on the corner of Sparthfield Road and Wellington Road North (A6) , in Heaton Norris.
The single-storey shop will face on to Sparthfield Road, while the two acre site will also feature 107 parking spaces - including disabled, parent and child and electric vehicle charging bays. There will also be parking for up to 24 bicycles.
The proposals went before a Heatons and Reddish area committee meeting on Monday night (October 17). Jonathan Harper, of consultants Rapley’s, spoke in support of the application on Lidl’s behalf, telling the committee there were ‘a number of clear tangible benefits to the scheme’.
READ MORE : Lidl planning to open new Stockport store at industrial works site
He said: “The development represents a significant investment by Lidl, which will undoubtedly boost the local economy and result in the creation of around 40 jobs - which carries particular importance at this present time. It will facilitate the redevelopment of a brownfield site, which represents sustainable development in its truest sense and allow residents in the area to shop more locally and sustainably - and assist in delivering the proposed cycle lane adjacent to the site.”
Mr Harper added that the store would boast a ‘modern, attractive’ design and ‘contribute positively to the surrounding area’. The council also heard from Kathy England, chair of Walk Ride Heatons, which promotes walking and cycling in the area.
She said that while the group did not object to the new store in principle, the plans were too ‘car centric’. “They are dominated by that car park and they perpetuate the perception that you have to drive to a supermarket in order to shop there,” she said.
Dr England also drew attention to the fact that the supermarket would not front on to the main A6 route, while pedestrians have to cross a car park to get to the shop itself and cyclists share an entrance with cars. She said this would not present an ‘attractive prospect’ to those travelling along the A6 as ‘the dominant feature will be a view of the car park’.
The objector urged councillors to request Lidl ‘goes back and develops proposals that are attractive and inviting for the community’. She said if councillors failed to do this the site would be condemned as ‘an ugly blot on the A6 for decades to come’.
Some members also raised concerns that drivers turning right on to the A6 from Sparthfield Road have to cross a four lane road in order to travel back towards Stockport. However, they were told that the council’s highways engineer had not deemed any further restrictions necessary and changes to the junction could not be included in conditions.
A motion tabled by Coun Tom McGee proposing a site visit by the planning and highways committee was not voted through. Coun John Taylor proposed passing the application with conditions for better segregation of pedestrians and bays for parking for ‘non-standard’ cycles such as cargo bikes and trikes.
A review of the Sparthfield Road/A6 junction was minuted as a suggestion for the council to take up once the site is up and running.
Heatons and Reddish Area Committee met at the town hall on Monday night (October 17).
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