PROPOSALS to demolish a Lidl store in Bournemouth to build a significantly bigger food shop have been approved despite a dispute over the future of the postal sorting office on the site.

The discount supermarket chain’s scheme for the store in Ringwood Road, which includes knocking down the Royal Mail Winton Delivery Office and a builders merchants, was approved by a Bournemouth Borough Council planning officer.

The scheme would provide almost double the amount of retail space for Lidl and see the car park increase from 79 to 161 spaces.

Lidl says both Royal Mail and the builders merchants occupy their premises on a leasehold basis, with the current agreements expiring in 2021.

The development would not begin until after this date to provide “sufficient time to find suitable relocation premises”.

However, an objection raised by Royal Mail says they have no plans to relocate and questions the assertions made by Lidl in their submitted statements.

A letter written on behalf of Royal Mail says: “Royal Mail has a statutory obligation to provide efficient mail sorting and delivery in the local area and currently serves nearly 37,000 properties.

“The proposals require the demolition of the delivery office, which could result in the loss of an important employment use, essential community service and the loss of 105 jobs.

“Royal Mail has no plans to relocate and there is no guarantee that they will find suitable alternative premises within the timeframe.”

Lidl’s planning and retail statement submitted by Walsingham Planning says the current store, which was approved in 1995, is in need of “modernisation and reconfiguration”.

It also claims the new store will offer a “radically improved customer offer”.

The statement says: “The proposal will provide a modern and attractive neighbourhood foodstore and will significantly improve the visual appearance of this prominent site. The proposal reflects Lidl’s most up-to-date store format and will ensure the provision of a high quality foodstore.”

Dorset Police supported the scheme, stating the design could lead to a reduction in shoplifting.

The planning officer’s report says there are no policies to prevent approving the demolition of the delivery office and builders merchants.