Lidl say '3,200 people' have written in to support new supermarket

The German supermarket has said that more than 3,200 residents wrote letters of support as part of its public consultation before officially lodging plans for a new shop in Sandford. 

Lidl also estimates its proposed store would save residents 1.5 million miles per year in fuel costs and more than 400 tonnes of CO2. 

Lidl GB’s head of property, James Mitchell, said: “We’ve had an incredible amount of positive feedback from the local community and are grateful to those 3,200 plus residents who have confirmed their support for the plans.  

“We thoroughly believe that a new Lidl store would be hugely beneficial to those who live and work within the Purbecks, not only creating jobs and investment but also ensuring local residents have convenient access to high-quality food they need throughout the year – without paying the price.  

“We eagerly await a decision from Dorset Council which could unlock this multi-million-pound investment for Sandford to save residents time and money.”

Read more: New Lidl plan will have 'negative impact' on town centre retail

The plans are expected to be put forward to Dorset Council’s planning committee next month. 

The site, which includes 114 parking spaces, a 'wildflower roof’ and 40 new jobs, has received scores of comments from residents giving their support and objection to the site in Sandford Road. 

Some people say they would like to see a new Lidl in Sandford, saying it would offer a “cheaper” alternative to the “very small and expensive” shops in Wareham, including Sainsbury’s and Co-op. 

However, some residents have up a website called Protect Sandford and Wareham objecting to the proposal 

Extra traffic, road safety and a reduction in local trade are some of the reasons why people are objecting to the proposal. 

Lidl is urging people to comment on their plans, which can be found on Dorset Council’s planning portal under the reference number P/FUL/2022/06012.