Anger at plans to bulldoze social club for Lidl car park

Plans to demolish the town's members club so Lidl can create more spaces for shoppers have been recommended for approval.

The scheme had previously been turned down by Dudley Council but re-jigged plans now look set to get the green light on Monday.

Belle Vale ward councillor Simon Phipps said it would be 'a great loss if the club is to go'.

He told the Express & Star: "The members club is a local venue which is well used and popular with a number of clubs.

"If it is knocked down it would be a loss to Halesowen. It's an asset for the town and all the ward councillors would be disappointed if the committee accepts the recommendation of planning officials."

Previous plans for the scheme were rejected earlier this year.

Council officers said they were unhappy the supermarket was not planning to create a new entrance to the extended car park and were also concerned about the extension leading to traffic problems on the busy Hagley Road.

In a design statement submitted as part of the planning package, Lidl said the planning concerns had been addressed.

The statement says: "The purpose of the development is to meet additional demand for car parking and improve the circulation and flow of the car park. The additional car parking provision and closing off of an existing access will not adversely impact upon the operation of the store or lead to highway safety concerns.

"Indeed, the proposals offer benefits in terms of highway safety.

"Furthermore, disabled parking and cycle parking provision will remain in accordance with adopted standards," the document adds.

"Lidl has taken a proactive approach to addressing concerns regarding both visual and residential amenity in order to ensure the new car park extension will not result in material harm in matters of planning importance."