Lidl has formally submitted plans for a new store in the heart of Alexandria.
However the chair of a local residents group has said she is “disheartened” by the proposals, warning they will be detrimental to the town centre.
The supermarket giant has been targeting a move to the Vale for almost a decade, with proposals taking a major step forward last week as they applied for planning permission.
If approved the new store would feature a 1,251m sales area “that represents a multi-million pound investment” according to chiefs.
It would create around 40 new jobs and would also feature facilities including an instore bakery.
Janice Ross of the Vale of Leven Trust is disappointed by the plans however, having called for the new store to be built in the heart of the Vale to draw more people to the Main Street. If approved, the new supermarket would be accessed from Bank Street.
She told the Lennox: “We’re not saying no to Lidl, that’s fine.
“The issue is where it is. All they are doing is continuing to extend the town centre - to the detriment of the other traders.
“It feels like that approach of doing something rather than nothing. But no thought has been given to if this something is what the Vale needs. That’s my issue.
“It feels as if it doesn’t matter if it destroys the other traders. If it has a 90 minute car park then it won’t encourage people to stay in the town and shop.
“People won’t leave, drive to the next car park and shop in the town, so who does it benefit?
“It will benefit Lidl. It will benefit the council who will think that they’ve solved the problem, but we are the ones left with it.
“It feels as if history is repeating itself. Why not make Lidl part of the town?
“It feels like there’s no economic strategy in the Vale.
“I have no problem with Lidl. My issue is with how this is allowed when it will be detrimental to the town centre.
“I’m quite disheartened about it all. Because it’s residents in the Vale who are left with it for the next 40 years.”
Proposals took a major step forward in August as West Dunbartonshire Council agreed to hand over the dilapidated Mitchell Way site to the German budget supermarket.
SNP member Jonathan McColl presented a motion asking for a more detailed report on the proposals to be brought before members.
He said: “Officers should outline why this is a good deal for Alexandria.
“We are essentially giving this piece of land to Lidl for free and we are also hearing that Lidl are no longer taking anything to do with the housing so we are not getting any added value from it.”
Council leader Martin Rooney said he didn’t see the sense in delaying the development any further and that once Lidl was built, the council would look for a housing developer.
Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, Gordon Rafferty, said: “Following community consultation with groups in the local area, we are delighted to announce that we have submitted a planning application to West Dunbartonshire Council.
“If granted, the new store would mark a multi-million pound investment in the area, and the creation of new jobs when the store opens.
“We would like to take the opportunity to thank the Alexandria community for their participation in the consultation process.”
