Lidl has submitted a fresh planning application to build a supermarket on the east side of Bath, reviving a debate that stirred strong reactions earlier this year. Although the budget supermarket chain withdrew its initial proposal in July 2024, the new plan has been met with criticism from local leaders and residents who view it as largely unchanged in essence.
Joanna Wright, a Green Party councillor representing Lambridge—where the proposed Lidl store would be located—expressed her concerns: “This proposal is not new in spirit — it’s a repeat of what has already been rejected by the community. The site simply isn’t suitable for a development of this scale. It would bring more traffic, threaten small businesses, and permanently damage the natural character of the city’s eastern entrance.”
In response, Lidl highlights significant updates aimed at addressing previous objections. The new application includes enhanced traffic management measures on London Road, expanded landscaping, and habitat improvements expected to achieve a biodiversity net gain of over 40%. Additionally, an updated retail assessment claims the store would not negatively impact nearby shopping districts.
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Glen Stidever, Lidl’s regional head of property, emphasized the efforts behind the revised proposal: “This store has been a major focus for our team, and we have worked tirelessly to ensure it meets the growing demand for affordable, high-quality grocery products while fitting seamlessly into the local environment. We’ve revised our plans in key areas such as design, traffic management, and landscaping to create a safe, accessible store that benefits the community. We welcome further feedback as we approach the planning decision later this year.”
Currently, Bath has only one discount supermarket—the existing Lidl on Lower Bristol Road. The new store’s location on London Road is expected to reduce customer travel distances by 29%, cutting carbon emissions by an estimated 82 tonnes annually. Additionally, the development promises up to 40 new jobs for the area.
Public response remains divided but less intense than before. The original application attracted 1,194 objections and 402 supporters, whereas the new plan has received 57 objections and 49 supportive comments so far.