Lidl decision delayed to sort issues over another new store in Walsall

Members of Walsall Council’s planning committee had been advised to reject the company’s bid to take over a former bingo hall in Park Lane, Darlaston, primarily because of concerns over highway safety.

But, at a meeting on Monday, councillors chose to defer the decision and pointed out strong support for the development before urging the company to get back round the table and resolve the issues.

The main bone of contention centred on Lidl’s plan to create a new access road to the store off Park Lane instead of using the existing one on Steelmans Road.

Other concerns were raised around insufficient parking and the loss of trees on the site.

But representatives for Lidl strongly disputed the reasons and said the new store would be beneficial to the area, urging members to pass the plans.

Daniel Wheelwright, of agents Rapleys, said: “Lidl is undertaking multi-million pound investment in new stores in Walsall to expand the coverage of discount foodstores across the borough.

“This has been strongly welcomed by the public. The consultation on this scheme in 2022 showed huge support at 95 per cent – that’s 700 out of 730 people taking part.

“What will this store provide for the people of Darlaston? Redevelopment of a vacant site currently subject of fly-tipping and littering, up to 40 well paid new jobs for local people starting at a current minimum of £11.40, a locally available discount store providing high quality products at an extremely competitive price – something essential to support residents with ongoing cost of living pressures, an energy efficient store with roof top panels and electric vehicle charging points and support for community initiatives.

“Whilst we see the highways department do not object to the principle of the development we are disappointed to see the application is recommended for refusal principally on the basis of highway objections.

“We disagree with this response. We note the objection from the tree officer, Lidl is willing to increase the tree planting and consider that this can be addressed by condition.

“Lidl really wants to deliver on the substantial public support and build a new store for Darlaston.”

Despite Lidl’s insistence on the new access road, councillors urged them to rethink or face having the proposal thrown out in future.

Councillor Suky Samra said: “It seems it all comes down to access. The applicant and the authority aren’t far away in resolving this.

“This is a site which has been left empty for a number of years and it’s not very pretty currently. Something needs to be done with this so I’m all for a deferral.

“They need to bang their heads together and come to a compromise and there is a compromise to be had.”

Committee chairman Mike Bird said: “I’m in support of the application itself – the only issue here seems to be the access and safety on highways.

“If the answer is Lidl are going to get a refusal then they might change their mind. We’re here trying to get this development over the line.”

The decision was deferred and officers given delegated authority to resolve the access issue or refuse if no agreement is reached.