Lidl has submitted multi-million pound plans to Somerset Council proposing the demolition of their existing supermarket in Wincanton to make way for a larger, modern replacement. The proposed development aims to improve the shopping experience on Southgate Road by providing a state-of-the-art store with enhanced space and facilities.
The new store will be an extension of the current Lidl footprint, involving a complete rebuild on the same site. According to Lidl, the project will increase local shopping choice and create additional jobs, while delivering a sustainable, energy-efficient building designed to meet modern standards.
In addition to the supermarket, the plans include a drive-thru unit and new employment spaces on adjacent land, further boosting local economic opportunities. Lidl intends to keep the current store operational throughout the construction period, with only a brief closure of four to eight weeks during the transition to the new building.
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The planning documents emphasize that the development aligns with the strategic objectives of the local Development Plan. It focuses on regenerating brownfield land without disrupting existing town centre businesses or increasing non-food retail turnover significantly. Instead, the larger store will offer qualitative improvements such as wider aisles and a better shopping environment.
Lidl outlines several development goals: investing in Somerset by enhancing convenience shopping quality, delivering a modern foodstore with an efficient layout and energy-saving features, and creating an attractive, well-landscaped site with active frontage facing Southgate Road.
The building’s design ensures visibility and accessibility from both Southgate Road and interior site areas. The phased construction plan allows ongoing trading in the current store until the new one is complete. The northern plot will then be available for complementary development, with shared site access efficiently planned for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Overall, the proposed scheme seeks to expand foodstore choice for local communities while respecting the surrounding environment through thoughtful design and sustainable construction practices.
Somerset Council will review and determine the application in due course.