Lidl’s plans to develop a new store on the greenfield site at Lambridge meadow in Bath have encountered significant delays. This follows resistance from local councillors and transport authorities worried about traffic congestion and access complications.
The supermarket chain’s second application for the site near Bath’s eastern gateway has been paused to allow for comprehensive transport modelling. The hold-up came after discussions between Bath and North East Somerset Council officers and National Highways, who are currently defining the parameters for the necessary assessments.
Green Party councillors Joanna Wright and Saskia Heijltjes, representing Lambridge ward, previously opposed Lidl’s initial 2023 application. Their objections highlighted concerns about worsening traffic, compromised road safety, air quality issues, and the loss of valuable green space.
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“Lambridge meadow is not the right place for a supermarket,” said Cllr Wright. “Residents are rightly worried about increased traffic impacts and potential vehicle diversion into residential areas. Additionally, the negative effects on biodiversity and local retail are considerable. Bath already has one Lidl store—it doesn’t need another.”
Cllr Heijltjes noted that the current delay underlines the project’s challenges: “The postponement underscores serious concerns about traffic impacts. London Road is already operating at full capacity, and providing safe walking, wheeling, and cycling routes to the store would be difficult.”
Once Lidl submits revised transport information, a new public consultation process will begin, offering residents and stakeholders the chance to have their say on the updated plans.
As a result, a final planning decision on Lidl’s Lambridge meadow store is unlikely before late 2025.