Lidl Store Proposal Faces Refusal Recommendation

Council officers have advised against the approval of a proposed Lidl supermarket in a residential district. Councillors are scheduled to make a decision on the application for the prospective store, located in Sandford, close to Wareham, during a Dorset Council meeting on Wednesday. The designated 1.25-hectare (3-acre) plot, situated between Sanford Road and Pottery Lines, has garnered over 600 public submissions, comprising both opposition and support. Public concerns have been voiced regarding the potential effects of the store on the town centre and nearby Sites of Special Scientific Interest, specifically Sandford Heath and Morden Bog. The location under consideration is situated near the Sandford pub, accessible from the A351 and next to the Sibley Potter roundabout, which connects to the B3075 Morden Road. Proponents of the development assert that the chosen site would provide residents with a broader selection of products and generate employment opportunities locally. They contend that it would diminish the necessity for trips to Poole, Wareham, or Swanage, where parking charges are perceived as an avoidable extra expense. The location was initially put forward in July 2022, with representatives for Lidl disputing all allegations made against the project. The plan incorporates 112 parking spaces, and Lidl has stated its intention to hire 35 part time and five full time employees. According to Dorset Council officers, the eastern area planning committee, scheduled to convene in Wimborne, ought to decline the proposals due to the adverse impact on the green belt – a designated zone safeguarded from urban expansion. A forthcoming report for councillors indicates that should the committee approve the proposal, it would necessitate a referral to the secretary of state. The report clarifies this requirement stems from the development exceeding the 1,000 sq m (10,763.9 sq ft) size restriction for construction within a green belt. Subsequently, the secretary of state, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, would be tasked with determining the justification for a public inquiry into the plans. For updates, BBC Dorset can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.