Lidl Gains Approval to Take on Former Homebase Unit in Colchester

Approval has been granted to allow a former Homebase store in Colchester to become a branch of Lidl.

Local press confirmed that planning permission has been granted by Colchester Council to convert the unit, which is located on St Andrew's Avenue in the town.

Lidl intends to redevelop the unit over the next six months and anticipates opening its new branch in early 2020, creating around 40 jobs.

Two supermarket chains - Asda and Tesco - who operate stores within two miles of the former Homebase unit, raised objections with the council, but the planning committee voted unanimously to accept the proposal.

Tesco requested that the decision be delayed, stating: “This is a proposal which clearly engages a number of complex retail policy issues and there are now two national retailers identifying their concerns.

“The council has not sought external retail advice on these issues and is, therefore, at risk of making a decision founded on a lack of information about the effects of the proposal.”

Planning consultants associated with the process advised that both Asda and Tesco's concerns were considered and addressed in the committee’s report. 

Andrew Hodkinson, Lidl UK's regional head of property, said: "We could not be more delighted to have received planning permission and look forward to getting started on construction.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their continued support and very much look forward to opening our doors and offering our fresh, quality, great value products in the not too distant future."

Source : Insight DIY Team 

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