Councillors refuse application for new Lidl store in Worksop for second time despite being recommended for approval

Councillors at Bassetlaw District Council’s planning committee meeting on January 4 refused Lidl GB’s application to build a new store on brownfield land east of Carlton Road, opposite Worksop Train Station.

The discount food store giant’s application had also requested permission to demolish two houses and build ‘up to’ 71 new homes, as well as a restaurant/cafe with drive-thru facilities, and a car park with 110 spaces. It was expected to create up to 70 full and part-time jobs.

The case officer had recommended the application for approval, subject to a section 106 agreement, despite dozens of neighbours’ concerns of increased traffic, air pollution, and damage to a conservation site.

Concerns were raised by councillors that the application, if granted, would damage the town centre, as well as have a negative impact on a conservation area.

A Bassetlaw District Council spokesperson said: “Members of Planning Committee have refused planning permission as it was considered that approval of an out-of-town retail development, such as proposed by this application, had the potential to cause a significant adverse effect on the vitality and viability of Worksop Town Centre and could be harmful to future investment in the town centre. Members believed that a site within the town centre would be a preferred location.

“In addition, Members were concerned about the demolition of two properties within the Mr Straw’s Conservation Area and the negative impact this could have on the Conservation Area.

“Another cause of concern was the increase of traffic around what is already a busy intersection and the unacceptable impact this would have on the surrounding road network.”

A similar proposal was refused on December 9, 2020 on the same grounds.

A campaign group called We Love Worksop, set up to protect the town centre in 2020 against Lidl’s initial application, had been urging councillors to refuse the proposal once more amid concerns that it would draw trade out of the town centre, and reduce the appeal of new retailers moving to the area.

Steve Dacombe, manager of Priory Shopping Centre, had previously called Lidl’s plans "a grave threat to the future of Worksop’s town centre” and last month he urged councillors to “do the right thing”.

Lidl GB has been contacted for further comment.