Lidl unveils fresh push for long awaited Ingleby Barwick store

A new Lidl had been expected off Blair Avenue in 2020 after the supermarket giant won planning permission for its site in 2019. But construction has been pushed back.

Lidl has submitted a fresh push for permission three years on from its last request via a “lawful development certificate”. The supermarket has argued it has started work on the store under the previous permission – with trench dug in late 2019 with the aim of putting in a road.

The report adds: “The council is asked to issue a certificate of lawfulness to confirm that material operations comprised in the approved development had begun prior to the expiration date of the application, giving rise to a lawful material start to the approved development.”

Worry about traffic, traffic, road safety and delivery times from the 2,200 sq metre supermarket triggered doubts from some residents when the plans emerged.

A meeting in 2019 also heard doubts from neighbouring Thornaby – with Cllr Sylvia Walmsley fearing the store could sound the “death knell” for shops in her town. She added: “I think Lidl has a good design and I’ve no problems with the store.

“I just think it’s in the wrong location – I cannot support it.” An in-store bakery and 120 parking spaces had been lined up for the new shop. Pedestrian access has been planned from Blair Avenue giving direct access to the store entrance through the car park.

Lidl has been contacted for comment on when its new store is set to be completed and open.