We don’t want an ‘eyesore’ Lidl in our town – the ‘plain ugly black block’ will paralyse traffic and is a foolish plan
FUMING residents have slammed plans for an “eyesore” Lidl in their town – claiming the “plain ugly black block” will paralyse traffic.
The supermarket chain wants to build a new store within walking distance of Tesco, Aldi and M&S branches in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.
If its blueprint is approved, Lidl will raze an empty office block on the site to make way for the new supermarket.
Furious locals have blasted the “foolish” plan – and are begging their council to block it.
But Lidl hit back at the objections – defending the “attractive, modern building”.
The supermarket’s planning agent also said that over 65 per cent of locals whom it consulted about the new store supported it.
In a letter, Ashby Civic Society said: “We object to this store as we believe it will cause a great increase in traffic in an already congested area.
“The traffic queues are currently very long on Nottingham Road in both directions.
“To add to the problem would be foolish and will result in traffic paralysis on the North part of town.”
The letter continued: “The need for more trees in the National Forest is well-known.
“Yet Lidl’s design shows trees to the frontage being removed.
“We wish that the scheme being adopted across the road on the M&S shop and the B&M shop should be adopted here.
“This means more trees around the store to make it a more attractive feature than a plain black block.
“The design of these ‘sheds’ adds nothing to the landscape and does not reflect the interesting and historic buildings of our town.”
But Lidl’s planning agent Rapleys hit back at the objections in a letter to the council.
Rapleys said: “The proposed development would have a minimal impact on the highway network.
“Regarding the design, the proposed development is for a single-storey store with horizontal timber rain-screen cladding.
“This is similar to the designs of other retail outlets within the vicinity of the site, with the timber design considered complementary to the National Forest.
The letter added: “The design of the store has been tweaked following the consultation to incorporate the timber cladding.
“However, the overall site layout is similar to that of the
consultation.
“Whilst some verges have been removed to accommodate the car park, it should be noted that there is a significant amount of tree planting as a result of this proposal.
“The trees that were previously removed were some time ago and before Lidl purchased the site, with the tree planting mitigating that loss.”
Lidl said: “The plans for our store in Ashby, which are supported by the majority of residents, showcase an attractive, modern building
“It features materials such as a timber facade that are in keeping with its local surroundings.
“Our dedicated property teams are continuing to work closely with the local council on the store plans.
“We look forward to it being considered at the committee meeting in the near future.”