Lidl submits plans to build another new store in Dorset

The discount retailer has asked Dorset Council to confirm if an environmental impact assessment is required for the site in Sandford, Wareham. 

A full planning application will need to be submitted at a later date if the new store is to be delivered on a field in Sandford Road at Sibley Pottery roundabout.

A bakery, longer style tills, dual packing and customer toilets all feature in the proposed store, which would have a a 1,411 square metre sales area.

There would also be 114 parking spaces on the site, including disabled spaces, parent and child and electric vehicle charging spaces. 

Lild would also build an “indicative wildflower green roof” which they say will enhance biodiversity.

If approved, Lidl would be Wareham’s second major supermarket as there is a Sainsbury’s in the town centre. There is also a Co-op store in North Street and several smaller convenience shops.

Lidl's plans. Image by Lidl/RPS Group (Image: Lidl)

Read more: Lidl announces plans to build a new store in Wareham

Forty new jobs will also be created once the store is open, Lidl said,

Tabling the environmental impact assessment request on behalf of Lidl, RPS Consulting Services said in a letter to Dorset Council it did “not believe that a formal environmental statement is warranted” and that the site would “help safeguard the countryside from encroachment”. 

Topography would be built along part of the site and “would not materially harm the objectives of the Green Belt.” 

A spokeswoman for Lidl said: “We were thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response from the local community regarding our plans for a new Lidl store in Wareham. 

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank residents for their support and feedback so far and we look forward to sharing more information shortly.” 

Residents can submit their comments on Lidl’s environmental impact assessment request to Dorset Council by Wednesday, September 21. 

A Lidl in Bournemouth (Image: NQ)

As reported, Lidl announced it was to close its store in Richmond Gardens Shopping Centre in Bournemouth town centre. 

It is understood the shop will close some time in October after Lild decided not to renew the lease for the store – which expires on October 27. 

Each member of staff was reportedly given a letter with the choice of redundancy or transferring to a different store. In said letter, it is understood the company blamed the decline of post-pandemic town centre footfall as well as the Wilko closure as primary reasons for the decision.