Lidl to submit revised planning application for store in Ross-on-Wye

Lidl is planning on submitting a revised application for a new food store development on the Wolf Business Park in Ross-on-Wye following significant consultation with Herefordshire Council.

This follows the rejection of planning permission by Herefordshire Council a number of years ago for a supermarket in this location, despite huge public support.

Lidl appealed the decision at the time but the Inspector, Philip Major, rejected the appeal saying the diversion of trade from the town centre would likely impact on more specialist shops in the town.

Lidl are proposing to develop a contemporary new foodstore at the Wolf Business Park, Ross-on-Wye in order to serve the needs of local residents, provide increased food shopping choice for customers in the local area and create new jobs in Ross-on-Wye.

They are seeking, via a hybrid planning application:

• Full planning permission for the demolition of two of the existing Wolf Business Park buildings and erection of a neighbourhood Lidl foodstore (Class A1) on the northern part of the site and a new access bell mouth to serve the retained employment land that will be subject to new business premises being created and;
• Outline planning permission for the erection of new employment use premises (Use Class B1/B2 and B8) on the retained employment land to the south as the upgraded Wolf Business Park.

They are proposing to purchase part of the Wolf Business Park to build a foodstore, demolish the existing buildings and, through the provision of the capital receipt to the Wolf Family, facilitate the development of brand new, purpose-built employment units on the site.

A Lidl spokesperson said: “This will represent a significant investment into Ross-on-Wye and allow the Wolf Business Park to undertake significant work to regenerate the site to safeguard existing jobs and attract new employers to the town.”

The proposed application will provide:

• Up to 40 new permanent full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs created as a result of the new store;
• A multi-million-pound investment into the local community (Lidl investment plus further Wolf Family investment);
• A rapid Electric Vehicle Charger point capable of providing 80% charge in 30 minutes serving two vehicles;
• 60+ potential new (and existing) jobs accommodated on the redeveloped employment site (excluding those created by Lidl directly);
• Improved shopping choice and provision of a new mainstream discount operator for Ross on Wye and the surrounding area;
• Enhanced accommodation offers for small scale B1, B2 and B8 employment uses.

Lidl will be holding a public consultation event at the Larruperz Centre on Wednesday 21st September between 3pm-8pm. You can also complete their online survey here: https://ntgt.de/ra/s.aspx?s=472388X101496475X19715