Hundreds of residents have backed plans to open a new Lidl in Cheadle Heath, the supermarket has claimed. An online petition in support of the scheme has been signed by more than 400 people and is set to be considered by Stockport council’s Cheadle area committee later this month, according to the company.
The proposed new store includes a bakery in a 2,000 sqm building based at Cheadle Heath Works on Stockport Road near Roscoes Roundabout and the M60, with a total of 102 car parking spaces included in the development.
If approved it would deliver a multi-million-pound scheme in the area and create up to 40 new jobs. The planning application was due to be discussed at the Cheadle area committee in December but was delayed at the eleventh hour by the supermarket according to councillors.
Council officers recommended the application was rejected due to the design and potential loss of employment land, but Lidl submitted new information ahead of the meeting causing the decision to be pushed back.
Cheadle East and Cheadle Hulme North councillor David Meller said during the December meeting he was “really quite angry” about the move. “I don’t think it’s acceptable and I don’t think it sends a good message to my residents,” he added.
Coun Ian Hunter, chair of the Cheadle area committee, also said: “I echo your disappointment on this, this application has been in the system for a considerable amount of time, to submit these documents at the last minute puts a strain on the system and does show a lack of regard for the planning system.”
While hundreds have supported the plans, nearly 60 residents submitted objections to the council before the December meeting with concerns about an increase in traffic around the sliproad from the motorway.
They said roads in the area are already very busy, with cars ‘backing all the way up towards Edgeley’ at peak times. Lidl said it has worked closely with Stockport council officers to produce a viable scheme that addresses key matters like highways, retail impact, and air quality, which it says have now been signed off as acceptable.
The scheme also includes new landscaping outside the store, as well as electric vehicle charging points, accessible bays, parent and child spaces, and covered cycle parking. Lidl said the application is expected to be discussed by councillors at the Cheadle area committee on January 28, and if given approval will go to the council’s planning committee for a final decision.
Nick Harvey, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “It’s fantastic that over 400 local residents signed the petition in support of a new Lidl store in Cheadle Heath. This clearly demonstrates the need for increased local shopping choice in the area.
“If approved, the store on Stockport Road would create new jobs, whilst providing locals with access to our best-value products.
“We are grateful for the support received so far, but as the final decision will be made by councillors, we encourage any residents who are yet to share their thoughts to ensure their voices are heard by showing support for the plans.”