Lidl confirm plans for 50% larger 'more modern store'

As revealed on wilmslow.co.uk last week, a discount retailer is planning to demolish a local gym so they can replace it will a new larger store.

Lidl have now confirmed their plans to replace the existing store at Summerfields Village Centre with a new store on the adjacent land, currently occupied by the energi Fitness Club.

The company has agreed a deal to purchase the property currently occupied by energi from Emersons, which will be demolished to build a new store which is nearly 50% bigger, if planning permission is approved.

Lidl UK's Regional Head of Property, Stuart Jardine, commented: "Our current Wilmslow store is extremely popular but is no longer able to meet the needs of our customers. An opportunity has arisen to purchase the property currently occupied by the Energie Fitness Club, which means that we can improve our retail offering in Wilmslow."

Stuart Jardine added: "A new, more modern store will allow us to stock a wider range of products and improve the shopping experience for our customers. The proposed new store is only metres away from the current store, which will result in a smooth transition for our regular customers."

Lidl submitted a planning application to Cheshire East Council on Friday, 23rd June, for a 1655m2 store and if planning permission is granted they say the new store could create up to 20 additional jobs for local people.

All existing employees will transfer to the new store which will include an in-store bakery, longer-style tills with dual packing facilities, customer toilets and more parking.

The existing 1,112m2 store will continue to trade until the new store is open, which is expected to be in early 2019 should the plans be approved, after which the plans indicate it will be demolished to create additional parking spaces for the new store.

The public are invited to view the plans in the current Wilmslow store, from 3rd July.

Some local residents are getting together to fight Lidl's plans to build a larger store saying it will be closer to more homes and result in noise and light pollution, loss of privacy and loss of greenery.

In response to the proposals campaigners are calling on Cheshire East Council to protect the trees on the current energie site, which they say currently shields the existing Lidl from their homes, by placing Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) on them.

Martin Kitchin said "The trees are an asset to the area, a perfect oasis amongst all the brick and tarmac. They have taken years to establish after they were first planted by Emersons. There's a nice mix there. They include Silver Birch which match those on our Jones Homes estate.

"Regardless of the season they are all majestic and beautiful in their own right. They provide residents with privacy (which will be even more needed if a big supermarket is allowed to be built next door to homes) and a natural habitat for birds which is wonderful. We can hear the birds over there now.

"Over the years the energie trees have merged with the shrubs maintained by Emerson on our side of the boundary."

Local resident Paul Roue said "The wildlife which has made its habitat in this area is numerous and varied. It would be such a shame to see it all go. The greenery which enhances this area is much needed and if it was able to be saved then that would make such a difference.

"I have been fortunate to see the redwings in the area and it would be a shame to see them disappear as they are such a rare bird."

Councilllor Barry Burkhill, who represents Handforth, is a member of the Strategic Planning Board, so, given this application is likely to go before the board, he cannot pass any comment on this proposed application

However, he told wilmslow.co.uk " Having said that, I can advise residents and ask for reports so long as I do not pre-judge any application before it comes to committee. I have asked our arboricultural officers to urgently assess the impact of this proposed development on the amenity trees and maturing woodland, which protect the residential area and form a natural habitat for wildlife."

Tags:: Energie Fitness, Lidl

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Harry Martin

Tuesday 27^th June 2017 at 8:35 pm

Do we really need anymore supermarkets or them enlarging ? No doubt Lidl will have their way as did Tesco and the enormous Next which is brighter than Blackpool illuminations.

Jon Williams

Wednesday 28^th June 2017 at 11:33 am

This part of Wilmslow does need a supermarket Harry and if anyone has been in Lidl at busy times you will realize that the store is not big enough, it may not be every bodies "cup of tea" but it serves the area well.
It is a shame the Energy has to close and we can only hope that the franchise owner can find another building in the area

Mark Webber

Sunday 23^rd July 2017 at 12:08 am

Having been a resident in Wilmslow for over 17 years I've watched as more supermarkets appear we currently have tescos giant supermarket next to m&s we have tesco and lidl at summerfield then there's sainsburys , tesco and waitrose in Wilmslow centre plus tesco and spar in handforth surely we don't need anymore or any of them getting any bigger and as for the energie gym I've been a member on and off for many years the instructors have helped me train ready to go out to Iraq and Afghanistan with the army but aren't the government always saying people should try and get fit and stay healthy well this is a good local gym which provides great classes to all people of various fitness levels plus there are lots of children's swimming lessons going on and overall it's a very social gym where you can have a great conversation in the gym or the pool etc and not forgetting the 3-4 businesses within the gym so lidl may create 20 jobs but you would put 30 - 40 people out of work and kids may not get swimming lessons and locals and some people aren't that local but they come to the gym for the variety of classes the friendliness of other users and staff and because it's got a good atmosphere so do we want to lose a gym all for the sake of creating 20 jobs personally I don't and even if I wasn't a member of the gym I still don't think we need another bigger supermarket so more traffic , noise etc

Tuesday 1^st August 2017 at 6:43 pm

My thoughts too Mr Webber. It is nothing to do with it being my cup of tea Mr Williams , as I have nothing against Lidl as a company . As for creation of jobs I would challenge anyone to buy a home nearby on a retail salary.