PLANNING permission for a new Lidl on Battens Drive in Redditch has been officially approved.
Applicants Woodbourne Group now have three years to start building the discount supermarket from the date of approval – December 21, 2020.
The proposal was agreed in principle by reluctant Redditch planners on Wednesday, November 25 so it comes as no shock that plans are going ahead.
With the possibility of a costly planning appeal hanging over them – which the Borough Council would have likely lost – they had little choice but to give their approval, despite public upset.
The German store is expected to create 40 jobs when it opens at the former Arrow Valley Health Club site.
The developer has been warned that the demolition of the health club should not take place until all trees and hedges and their root protection areas (RPA) are retained on the site.
Edges of the site must also be protected to remain in-keeping with the area, which is adjacent to Arrow Valley Park.
A section 106 agreement between the authority and the developer is being used used to secure contributions as to enhancements to the country park and to ensure that the existing town centre Lidl store remain open until the expiry of the current lease.
Tani Dulay, chief executive of Woodbourne Group, said: “The store will create a welcome number of jobs and bring Lidl’s award-winning produce at affordable prices to everyone within the community.”
He added that the plans would also significantly enhance the local built environment with extensive landscaping designed to complement Arrow Valley Park.
