Lidl Store Approved Despite Green Belt Objections

A Lidl supermarket, situated within a residential green belt zone, has received approval for its development, notwithstanding a recommendation for rejection from council officials. The area planning committee of Dorset Council engaged in a two-hour discussion regarding the proposed store’s construction in Sandford. Approval for the store was ultimately granted by the chairman, councillor David Tooke, who cast the deciding vote after the committee reached a 5-5 tie. Information presented to the committee indicated that the establishment of the new store could potentially reduce annual travel for local consumers by 1.5 million miles (2.4 million km). During the committee session, apprehensions were voiced regarding the store’s potential to increase traffic flow into the Purbecks, thereby negatively impacting the green belt and an adjacent site of special scientific interest. Lidl stated that the “majority” of the 4,000 local residents it had consulted expressed support for the store’s proposals. The designated location for the project is situated close to the Sandford pub, accessible from the A351, and next to the Sibley Potter roundabout, which connects to the B3075 Morden Road. Over 700 public submissions were received concerning the application, predominantly expressing approval, though local councillors registered their opposition to the store. On Wednesday, during a meeting in Wimborne, Dorset Council officers informed the eastern area planning committee that the store ought to be turned down due to the detrimental effects on the green belt. James Mitchell, Lidl’s regional head of property, informed attendees at the meeting that if the proposal were to be denied, the company would “have no option but to appeal”. Councillor Spencer Flower, a former leader of the council, noted the absence of objections from Natural England, highways authorities, or the Dorset Wildlife Trust. He stated that he could “only conclude” that the green belt would experience a limited impact and that the store would decrease the necessity for local residents to make car journeys. He further remarked: “I think there is a net benefit here for people who have to go out of the area to shop.” Local residents present at the meeting conveyed to councillors that there was “overwhelming support” for the store, citing the restricted shopping options available in the vicinity. Beryl Ezzard, a Wareham councillor, asserted that the store’s location was in the “wrong place,” informing councillors that it would “spoil” Sandford. BBC Dorset can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC holds no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.