Town’s proposed new Lidl store faces fresh scrutiny

Lidl’s proposal to open a shop at the former Trafalgar College site in Thamesfield Way, Great Yarmouth, was approved last September despite efforts by competitor Tesco to stall the project.

The German discount chain now wants to make changes to the layout to increase the shop floor by decreasing the size of its warehouse and staff room areas.

The former Trafalgar College will be demolished to make way for the new Lidl store (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2016)

There had been concern that building the new store could harm businesses in the town centre.

READ MORE: ‘Bridge of Sighs’… Closed crossing costs exasperated firm £2 MILLION (and counting)

However, a Great Yarmouth Borough Council report estimates it will only have a 1pc impact on trade.

In addition, the new premises cannot open until its existing store, located less than half a mile away to the north, is demolished to avoid unfair competition. 

The fresh plans will mean the new shop will have a sales area 42pc bigger than the existing Pasteur Road building.

Councillors will vote on the proposal on May 22.