Lidl puts in fresh application to build fourth new supermarket in Walsall

The company is looking to take over the former bingo hall site on Park Lane in Darlaston for a new branch, which will help create 40 new jobs if given the go-ahead.

The retail unit was formerly occupied by Buzz Bingo and has sat empty since 2020. Lidl said it would erect a 1,251 sq m store with a total of 133 car parking spaces on site.

A proposal had previously been put forward for the site by Lidl last year but that was withdrawn, with this fresh application now in its place.

Lidl has already been granted permission to build two new supermarkets elsewhere in the borough in the last two months.

Walsall Council’s planning committee gave the green light for the company to take over the struggling Horse and Jockey pub on Walsall Road, Walsall Wood, back in March.

And last month, permission was granted for a new store to be built on Walsall Road at the borough’s boundary with Sandwell.

Plans have also gone in for a new store to be built on the site of the Metro Hotel and Broadway Bar on Birmingham Road – a proposal which sparked concern about traffic on an already busy route.

Lidl said its plans for opening four new stores across Walsall were part of a multi-million pound investment in the area.

In their application for the Darlaston store, they said the project would provide a number of economic benefits to the area if it were to be approved.

Following a public consultation carried out by Lidl, 699 out of 750 respondents were said to be in support of the new Darlaston supermarket being built.

Lidl also said discussions with Walsall Council officers on the original application were “generally positive in nature”.

Agents Rapleys said: “The proposed food store development will provide numerous economic benefits including up to 40 new well paid jobs with a minimum hourly rate of £11, no zero hour contracts and opportunities for training and progression within the company.

“A multi-million pound investment for the local area, making use of disused land and new discount shopping facilities for residents, which could help locals save money on their groceries spending.

“Given the ongoing cost of living crisis, it is considered the economic dimension of the development is particularly important as the proposed development may help to offset the impacts of the economic downturn.

“(An) assessment has found there are no suitable or available sequentially preferable sites to accommodate the proposed development.

“The proposed development site comprises a former bingo hall with associated car parking and landscaping, which is understood to have been vacant since mid-2020.

“Given this, it is clear that the site constitutes derelict previously developed ‘brownfield’ land. It is considered the principle of redevelopment of the site is supported by policy which promotes the re-use of derelict and previously developed land.”

A decision on the proposal is expected to be made by Walsall Council planners in July.