News: Where next for Lidl in Rotherham?

Having failed to secure planning permission for a new store in Swallownest and made little progress in Maltby, where else in Rotherham is the discount retailer targeting?

Lidl GB recently announced plans to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion, as the discounter moves forward with plans to open more than 40 new stores across the country this financial year.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 that the German global discount chain had withdrawn updated plans for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest. Earlier plans were refused by Rotherham Council with members saying that it would have a detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre.

In 2022 Lidl secured planning permission for a new store on the site of a former fire station and library in Maltby but a store is yet to open.

As part of its continued mission to provide all communities across the country with access to affordable, high-quality food, Lidl has published its 2025 site requirements brochure, outlining hundreds of potential locations for new stores – including high streets, retail parks, and mixed-use town centre sites.

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The updated list features a number of locations in Rotherham.

Locations for new stores include Rawmarsh and Wickersley / Bramley.

The retailer has also confirmed that it would like to relocate away from its current store on Masbrough Street on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

The list doesn't include Parkgate where planning permission has been secured for a 20,000 sq ft unit at the retail park suitable for a national food retailer.

Richard Taylor, Chief Real Estate Officer at Lidl GB, said: “This level of investment is a clear sign of our ambition. As we enter our fourth decade in Great Britain and hurtle towards a thousand stores, there are still so many parts of the country crying out for convenient access to a Lidl store. That’s why we welcome the measures proposed in the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill – they recognise the urgent need to remove barriers to development and support the kind of growth we at Lidl are working towards.

“Our latest site requirements brochure reinforces the scale of our ambition for the future. New Lidl stores mean new jobs, new opportunities for British suppliers, and continued investment into local economies. We’re proud to be one of the fastest-growing supermarkets in the country, and with this investment, we’re taking another big step in our journey.”

Lidl website

Images: Lidl GB

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News: Plans approved for new Rotherham foodstore

An outline planning application has been approved for a new foodstore at a Rotherham retail park, capping off an impressive 2024 for the site's new owners.

Rothbiz reported in July on the proposals to expand Parkgate Shopping, the 2nd largest purpose-built retail warehouse park in the UK.

Having acquired the park for around £60m, new owners, Columbia Threadneedle, have assessed the potential for expansion with the development of the delayed £12m link road and Park & Ride.

The outline planning application was submitted for land next to Matalan which is currently used as a Park & Ride for the tram-train. The proposal was submitted in outline with all matters reserved except for access.

With the relocation of the Park & Ride to a larger facility which is still being completed, the new proposal is for a 20,000 sq ft rectangular unit "that is the required format of food retailers in order to provide linear aisle for convenience goods shopping."

The plans discuss that it will be a "national multiple food retailer" that will be the new tenants, with the proposed store employing circa 50 full-time equivalent staff members.

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As the site is classed as out of town, a retail assessment and sequential test is also included.

Sequential tests ensure that development is located in the most sustainable location first (usually in town centres), before other, less sustainable locations are chosen.

Planners at Rotherham Council agreed that there are no other preferrable sites within the Rotherham town centre or Parkgate district centres given the floorspace and car park requirement of foodstores.

Planning officers also concluded that the new store would only have a minimal impact on the Tesco store on Drummond Street, which would "still be trading at significant levels above its expected level."

Conclusions also add that "car parking capacity at the retail park, is not unduly affected by the development, as the loss of car park spaces is mainly spaces associated with the Tram Park and Ride which operates differently to the remainder of the retail park."

No occupier is named but an analysis of the current market submitted with the application by agents, Savills, states that this size of store is popular with secondary foodstores including Waitrose, M&S and Co-op, and discount foodstore retailers including Aldi and Lidl.

Parkgate Shopping has enjoyed a hugely successful year, in part thanks to the arrivals of a host of new brands and the opening of the new link road in December 2024. New owners, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, took the helm in January 2024, with plans to "better align the shopping mix with the wants and wishes of Parkgate’s customers."

New openings include the Sports Direct and USC combined store and Everlast gym, the reopening of Wilko, the expansion of Superdrug and new arrivals of Starbucks, Pavers and Foot Asylum. Negotiations are underway for more to come in 2025.

Visitor numbers were 6% up in the first week of December compared to the same period in the previous year.

Parkgate Centre Manager, Janet Drury, said: “It has been a phenomenal festive period here at Parkgate. Our shops and restaurants were buzzing with Christmas shoppers enjoying the season and making the most of the amazing range on offer, all in one place. It has led to some exceptional trading successes for our brands.

“Once again, the Parkgate community came together in support of Families First’s Toy Appeal, which it supported for a 14th year, just weeks after the charity was recognised with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service. We have such a lot to be thankful for and wish our loyal customers a very Happy New Year. Watch this space for more exciting news from Parkgate in 2025!”

Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Columbia Threadneedle / Harris Partnership

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News: Plans for new Rotherham Lidl withdrawn

German global discount chain, Lidl, has withdrawn its plans for a new store in Rotherham.

In 2020 members of the planning board at Rotherham Council voted to refuse plans, despite them being recommended for approval by officers.

The updated plans, submitted in April 2022, were very similar to those previously submitted. They included a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest which would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, new changing rooms and a new additional sports pitch at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

Lidl's plans were for a build a new store to the latest specification with a 13,500 sq ft sales area including a bakery, longer-style tills with dual packing and customer toilets. 40 full time and part time job opportunities would be created if proposals are approved.

Rotherham Council's planning board voted nine to two to refuse the 2020 application. The detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal with councillors questioning that enough people using the Lidl would also make a link trip to the centre. Lidl's site is deemed "edge of centre" in planning terms.

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Lidl, which has a store target of 1,100 stores in the UK by the end of 2025, was hoping that the opening of a new Aldi nearby would improve their chances of gaining approval, arguing that the new Aldi at Fence had diverted trade away from the existing Swallownest shops and a Lidl would divert "a significant proportion of trade" back from the Aldi at Swallow Wood Road instead of the Co-op.

Instead, Aldi joined hundreds objecting to the plans, with many comments on the application also supporting the development.

Mark Stringer, property director at Aldi, said: "We cannot see that there has been any change in circumstances that would warrant the Local Authority coming to a different decision other than the fact that the need for choice and competition has already been satisfied through the opening of the ALDI store. There have been no obvious amendments to the application or any changes to National or Local Planning Policies that would tip the planning balance in favour of the application proposals.

"The applicant does not appear to address the previous reason for refusal ... there has been no evidence provided to demonstrate how Members concerns have been addressed through the resubmission."

The Lidl application was withdrawn last week.

Last year, Lidl secured planning permission for a new store on the site of a former fire station and library in Maltby.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl

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News: New Rotherham Lidl recommended for approval

Planning officers at Rotherham Council are recommending that plans for a new Lidl are approved, but the German global discount chain has been in this position before.

Rothbiz reported on a planning application last year to build a new Lidl supermarket on the site of a former fire station and library in Maltby.

The proposal is for a new store on High Street with a 13,500 sq ft sales area on the central and northern part of the site, providing an instore bakery, customer toilets and customer recycling facility.

Tesco, which has a store opposite the site, objected, causing Lidl to rethink its plans.

Similar plans in Swallownest, where objections from Aldi and Co-op went some way to Rotherham Council's planning board refusing permission for a Lidl store, despite them being recommended for approval by officers, have recently been revived.

The objection from Tesco means that the Maltby plans are set to go before the planning board next month.

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Plans show that building will be serviced from the western side of the store with vehicular and pedestrian access via High Street. There are 87 car parking spaces proposed.

If approved, the plans would create 40 new full time and part time jobs.

Lidl said that "the proposal would not have any significant adverse impact upon other existing, committed or planned investment in this or any other centres."

Tesco described the initial retail impact assessment as "erroneous" and "misleading" so Lidl has carried out further assessments.

A council report states: "It is considered that whilst the proposed store will divert retail expenditure from existing stores within the defined town centre boundary, the location of the proposed store is such that it has the realistic potential to make a contribution to the town centre via linked trips and spin-off benefits.

"Whilst a reasonably large element of these linked trips will be transferred linked trips, they nevertheless will continue to benefit the town centre and this will be reinforced by the potential for additional benefits for Maltby as trade is diverted from other stores located outside of the town.

"On this basis, whilst it is important to note that there will be an adverse impact upon some trade associated with existing stores within the defined town centre boundary, it is unlikely that there will be a significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of the defined town centre."

Since the beginning of 2022, Lidl has already opened 23 new stores and remains on track for 1,100 stores by the end of 2025.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl

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News: Lidl resubmit plans for new Rotherham store

German global discount chain, Lidl, has resubmitted plans for a new store in Rotherham.

In 2020 members of the planning board at Rotherham Council voted to refuse plans, despite them being recommended for approval by officers.

This time, applicants hope that the opening of a new Aldi nearby actually improves their chances of gaining approval.

The updated plans are very similar to those previously submitted. They are for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest which would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, new changing rooms and a new additional sports pitch at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

Lidl wants to build a new store to the latest specification with a 13,500 sq ft sales area including a bakery, longer-style tills with dual packing and customer toilets.

40 full time and part time job opportunities would be created if proposals are approved.

The planning board voted nine to two to refuse the 2020 application. The detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal with councillors questioning that enough people using the Lidl would also make a link trip to the centre. Lidl's site is deemed "edge of centre" in planning terms.

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For the updated planning application, a new retail statement has been submitted. Authors, dpp Planning, assess the impact of the opening of the new Aldi at Fence in 2021, which it says is "over-trading" and has "contributed significantly to a nearly 40% reduction in trade" at the Co-op in Swallownest.

Both Aldi and the Co-op objected to the 2020 application.

The analysis states that the new Lidl is estimated divert £3.6m away from the Aldi and £0.13m from the Co-op.

The latest application adds that the over-trading of the Aldi "demonstrates a clear latent demand for additional discount retail destinations" in the area and that the Co-op is "now performing in a predominantly top-up shopping role."

Lidl's application argues that the vitality and viability of Swallownest has also been exacerbated by the lack of opportunity for linked trips to the Aldi.

Conversely, with Lidl offering to provide car parking for up to two hours in 100 spaces on the edge of Swallownest, it says that the new store "provides strong opportunities for linked trips with the existing shopping centre."

It adds: "A significant proportion of trade is expected to be diverted to the proposed development [Lidl] from the Aldi at Swallow Wood Road instead of the Co-op. It is likely that the vast majority of residents who would previously have used Co-op in Swallownest as a main food shopping destination have already been diverted to Aldi at Swallow Wood Road. We have also assumed some diversion of expenditure from other convenience floorspace in Swallownest, the only real provider being Del’s convenience store."

The retail statement concludes: "We do not consider that the proposed development, considered either in isolation or cumulatively with other commitments would be of significant detriment to the vitality and viability of the identified retail centres. In fact, we consider it presents an opportunity to retain and encourage linked trips with Swallownest District Centre in the event that the Co-op store were to close as a result of the Aldi store at Swallow Wood Road Local Centre.

"Further, the impact of the proposed development on Swallow Wood Road Local Centre would in effect "correct" the overtrading of the single Aldi store in this centre, and we consider that the two stores could trade without resulting in a significantly detrimental impact to the vitality and viability of this centre."

Lidl website

Images: Lidl

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News: Store Wars Maltby - Tesco objects to new Lidl

A new episode of Store Wars is playing out in Rotherham between national retailers.

Rothbiz reported on a planning application last year to build a new Lidl supermarket on the site of a former fire station and library in Maltby.

Now Tesco, which has a store opposite the site, has delivered its objections, causing Lidl to rethink its plans.

The German retailer found opposition to similar plans in Swallownest where objections from Aldi and Co-op went some way to Rotherham Council's planning board refusing permission for a Lidl store. The plans have since been revived.

At Maltby, the proposal is for a new store on High Street with a 13,500 sq ft sales area on the central and northern part of the site, providing an instore bakery, customer toilets and customer recycling facility.

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Agents for Tesco say that Lidl's application contains a "number of failings" and "erroneous assumptions" regarding the retail impacts of the proposed new store.

Tesco claims that agents for Lidl said that the site is within a defined town centre, adding that: "given its status as a Town Centre, the range of retail facilities in Maltby is currently quite limited." Going on to say: "There are no larger scale foodstores within the centre and these existing facilities, including Tesco, primarily meet top-up shopping needs."

Tesco says that the applicant's agent has wrongly assumed that the proposal occupies a town centre location making the retail impact assesment "misleading."

Martin Robeson, acting for Tesco, said: "Their appraisal is flawed, having been erroneously calculated on the basis that the store will occupy a town centre location.

"The proposed Lidl's anticipated turnover by 2024 has therefore been inappropriately added to the total turnover of Maltby town centre, which yields a misleading picture of a positive total impact.

"In our judgement there is therefore likely to be a negative impact on the town centre."

It also argues that a -26% impact on the anchor Tesco store would have severe effects on footfall across the centre.

It adds that an up-to-date health check of Maltby town centre has not been carried out and claims that other attempts have been made to "diffuse" the impacts on the town centre and "overstate the claw-back effects" from spend outside of Maltby.

Lidl, and agents, Lichfield, have now updated plans and supplied additional information, restarting the consultation period for the application.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Lidl ready to reignite Rotherham store wars

German global discount chain, Lidl, is looking to resubmit plans for a new store in Rotherham.

In 2020 members of the planning board at Rotherham Council voted to refuse plans for a new Lidl foodstore, despite them being recommended for approval by officers.

The plans for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, improvements to changing rooms and playing pitches at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

With no appeal against the refusal, residents views are now being sought again as Lidl prepares to resubmit a planning application.

Agents explain that Lidl wants to build a new store to the latest specification with a 13,500 sq ft sales area including a bakery, longer-style tills with dual packing and customer toilets. They add that: "if approved, the proposals will see investment in improvements for Swallownest Miners’ Welfare Club, including new changing room facilities and the creation of an additional sports pitch for community use."

If approved, the development would create up to 40 new full and part time jobs.

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A total of 129 representations were received for the earlier plans, 78 objecting to the proposal, and 51 supporting the scheme. Objectors included Aldi, which has since opened a store at nearby Fence, and the Co-op, which has a store already in Swallownest.

The planning board voted nine to two to refuse the 2020 application. The detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal with councillors questioning that enough people using the Lidl would also make a link trip to the centre. Lidl's site is deemed "edge of centre" in planning terms.

Lidl recently secured approval for a new foodstore in Handsworth, just over the border in Sheffield. Rotherham Council had objected to the plans and asked applicants to assess the impact on the Waverley development where a 16,500 sq ft building designed for a deep discount retailer such as Lidl or Aldi, is part of the early proposals for the Olive Lane development.

Lidl is also proposing a new Rotherham store on the High Street in Maltby.

Lidl consultation website

Images: Lidl

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News: Plans in for new Lidl in Rotherham

A planning application has been submitted to build a new Lidl supermarket on the site of a former fire station and library in Rotherham.

Rothbiz revealed last year that the German global discount chain had begun discussions with Rotherham Council over the site on High Street in Maltby and public consultation began in December.

The application comes after plans for a new Lidl at Swallownest were recently turned down.

The Local Plan allocates the site for Community Facilities based on its historic use as a Fire Station and Library, however applicants state that these former community uses have now been relocated and replaced elsewhere in the area and the site is no longer required for ongoing community facilities use.

The proposal is for a new store with a 13,500 sq ft sales area on the central and northern part of the site, providing an instore bakery, customer toilets and customer recycling facility. 80% of this net sales area would be used for convenience goods sales, with the remaining 20% being used for comparison goods sales.

A "contemporary design including an open glazed shop front" is proposed along with 87 parking spaces and a single access from High Street.

If approved, the plans would create 40 new full time and part time jobs.

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The site is within a defined town centre but applicants say that: "given its status as a Town Centre, the range of retail facilities in Maltby is currently quite limited." Adding: "There are no larger scale foodstores within the centre and these existing facilities, including Tesco, primarily meet top-up shopping needs."

The existing Aldi store nearby is in an out-of-centre location and applicants argue that it has "no relationship with Maltby Town Centre."

Planning consultants, Lichfields drew up the plans and say: "Maltby Town Centre contains a range of retail and service uses which meet the day to day needs of local residents and has a unit vacancy rate which is below the national average, reflecting its resilience in the face of the recent pandemic and wider economic conditions.

"Given its status as a town centre, the range of retail facilities within Maltby is quite limited. Whilst there is a Tesco supermarket, this is relatively small and primarily performs a top-up shopping role. Although there are recently constructed Aldi and Home Bargains stores at Muglet Lane, these are situated in an out-of-centre location and there are no other medium or large-sized foodstores in the town centre."

A study into the impact of the proposal is included, highlighting that the new store "would enhance the accessibility and availability of food retailing to local residents, reducing the need to travel to the above facilities outside of the local area."

Consultants add that there wouldn't be competition between Lidl and the existing provision in Maltby town centre arguing that "the new store would function, in practice, as part of Maltby Town Centre, generating linked trips and spin-off trade for existing businesses there."

The competition would be with the nearby Aldi and a new Lidl would have the biggest negative impact on the stores at Muglet Lane, diverting an estimated £2.4m (23%) of turnover away from the existing location. Lidl says that this Aldi store is situated in an out-of-centre location, and is therefore unprotected in planning policy terms and its viability is unlikely to be affected by the proposed new Lidl.

Images: Lidl / Lichfields

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News: Lidl more information on Maltby store proposals

Lidl has released more information on its plans to redevelop the former library and fire station site on High Street in Maltby to provide a neighbourhood foodstore.

Rothbiz revealed in October that the German global discount chain had begun discussions with Rotherham Council over the demolition of the fire station. The authority sought interest in the former library in 2019. It has already been demolished.

Lidl has now begun gathering feedback before submitting a detailed planning application. Agents, Lichfields, state: "This multi-million pound investment, will see Lidl commit to building a sustainable store with a 1,256m² [13,500 sq ft] sales area, with plans to create 40 new full time and part time jobs. The supermarket will incorporate state of the art facilities including an instore bakery, customer toilets and ample parking for both cars and bicycles.

"The proposals will regenerate this key site adjacent to Maltby Town Centre and will improve the choice of retail facilities available to local residents."

Plans were approved to convert the fire station into a fish and chip shop but Lidl explains: "The Rotherham Local Plan allocates the site for Community Facilities based on its historic use, however these former community uses (the fire station and library) have now been relocated and replaced elsewhere in the area and the site is no longer required for ongoing community facilities use."

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The discounter is committed to fulfilling its ambitious store opening programme, despite disruption to construction amid the coronavirus pandemic. In July it confirmed plans to open over 25 stores, amounting to one per week, and create up to 1,000 jobs by the end of 2020. An additional 100 stores are planned to open across 2021 and 2022.

Plans for a new Lidl at Swallownest were recently turned down with planning board members recently concluding that the detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal.

Aldi, which plans to open a new store at nearby Fence in January, argued against the Swallownest Lidl. For Maltby, Lidl claims that the relatively new Aldi on Muglet Lane is "an out of centre store which will compete with the Town Centre."

It is envisaged that a planning application for the proposed Maltby development will be submitted in mid December 2020.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl / Lichfields

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News: Lidl identify site for another Rotherham store

Having recently been refused planning permission for a new store in Swallownest, German global discount chain, Lidl, is progressing with plans at another site in the borough.

Lidl publishes its property requirements and in Rotherham it has site requirements for Kimberworth, Maltby, Rawmarsh, Swallownest and Wickersley/Bramley.

The search looks to have focused on Maltby, with the site of the former fire station earmarked.

Lidl has recently begun discussions with Rotherham Council over the method of demolition and restoration of the site regarding the demolition of the former Maltby fire station buildings.

The site was sold off when the fire service co-located with the police nearby.

In 2018, proposals were approved to turn the 3,500 sq ft purpose built fire station on the High Street into a chip shop with the main area, which would have housed the fire engines, used as a restaurant with the roller shutter doors replaced by new windows.

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At .42 of an acre, the site is smaller than Lidl's usual requirements.

Rival, Aldi, opened in Maltby on Muglet Lane in April.

Lidl was founded in Germany in the 1930's and has grown consistently, now operating over 10,000 stores in 27 countries. Launching in the UK in September 1994, Lidl today has over 800 stores in Great Britain. Its most recent Rotherham store to open is at Dalton.

The discounter is committed to fulfilling its ambitious store opening programme, despite disruption to construction amid the coronavirus pandemic. In July it confirmed plans to open over 25 stores, amounting to one per week, and create up to 1,000 jobs by the end of 2020. An additional 100 stores are planned to open across 2021 and 2022.

At Swallownest, planning board members concluded that the detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal.

An appeal against the decision has not yet been received.

Across the borough, many local people have contacted Wickersley Parish Council about the possibility of a Lidl Supermarket opening on the site of the former JCT600 garage on Bawtry Road.

No plans have been submitted for the site but it is now listed with agents as being under offer.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl / Google Maps

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News: Store wars in Swallownest sees Lidl plans shot down

Members of the planning board at Rotherham Council have voted to refuse plans for a new Lidl foodstore, despite them being recommended for approval by officers.

The German global discount chain submitted plans last year for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest that would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, improvements to changing rooms and playing pitches at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

Rothbiz reported last week that planning officers had been satisfied with studies carried out by the applicants around the impact of the development, the transport implications, the new community facilities and the use of the greenbelt land.

A total of 129 representations have been received, 78 objecting to the proposal, and 51 supporting the scheme. Objectors to the store, which would create up to 40 jobs and have an annual turnover of around £10m, included Aldi, which is readying a store at nearby Fence, and the Co-op, which has a store already in Swallownest.

Comments relate to increased competition and the impact on nearby shops in Swallownest but others highlight highway safety matters, bearing in mind the nearby school and nursery.

Michelle Davies, addressing the planning board on behalf of the applicant, said: "This proposal represents a significant investment by Lidl into the local area and will create 40 full and part time employment opportunities for local people, as well as associated construction jobs. Capital generated by the scheme will also allow both of the current occupiers of the site, the Miner's Welfare Club and Christ Church, to further invest in the local community.

"If planning permission is granted today, Lidl intend to commence work as soon as possible with a target store opening date of Autumn 2021.

"The proposal will also increase local consumer choice in Swallownest by providing a discount foodstore in an accessible location, immediately on the edge of the centre."

Davies also accused rival commercial operators of using delaying tactics.

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Aldi's representative confirmed that its Fence store, which gained planning approval in 2014, plans to open in January 2021 and said that the allocated retail site was a "marginal" one for the operators.

Mark Stringer from Aldi, told board members that two discount stores and the existing Co-op puts their investment at risk. He said: "Aldi could have taken the option not to progress with development on the Swallownest site and instead object on the grounds that Lidl are preventing investment from coming forward. However, this would have been to the detriment of the residents of Swallownest and a position where there was no guarantee of any new retail store, further delaying the bringing forward of Aldi's investment."

The council was accused of a lack of transparency in choosing retail consultants at Avison Young to assess parts of the application as Aldi said that they have previously been used by Lidl.

Chris Beebe, planning manager for the Co-op explained to the planning board: "We didn't object to Aldi, but feel we have to object here. The proposal is, quite simply, in the wrong place and will have a severe detrimental impact on the whole of the existing centre."

He added that he believes that, based on similar cases, the impact on the Co-op store will be a 30% negative hit on turnover, rather than a 16% hit that consultants conclude, and that the viability of the store would be at risk in its current form.

Matthew Parker spoke about the impact on his Del's Supermarket on the nearby High Street, stating that Swallownest doesn't need another discount store and that members should think about the jobs that could be lost at the Co-op and his store if Lidl went ahead.

Board members discussed concerns over retail impact, and linked trips from the "edge-of-centre" Lidl into the district centre, along with traffic safety and pollution levels regarding the nearby school and nursery.

The board voted nine to two to refuse the application. The detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal with councillors questioning that enough people using the Lidl would also make a link trip to the centre.

Images: Google Maps / Lidl

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News: New Rotherham store moves a Lidl closer

A planning application for a new retail foodstore in Rotherham for Lidl is being recommended for approval by the planning board at the Council.

Rivals, Aldi, which is readying a store at nearby Fence, and the Co-op, which has a store already in Swallownest, have objected to the plans.

Rothbiz revealed last year that the German global discount chain had submitted plans for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest that would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, improvements to changing rooms and playing pitches at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

The new Lidl food store would create up to 40 employment opportunities.

With a sales area of 12,600 sq ft, the proposed development also includes the provision of 98 parking spaces, a scheme of planting and new trees. In addition to the supermarket, the applicant proposes new football changing facilities which would be built adjacent to the existing playing pitch.

Lidl's site, which is close to Swallownest Primary School, was allocated for community use, greenspace and green belt in the Council's local plan.

The application said that community facilities will be improved and that the church will use proceeds from the sale to invest in partner churches at Ulley and Aston.

The applicants have updated the plans and included a sequential assessment and an assessment of retail impact. Sequential tests ensure that development is located in the most sustainable location first (usually in town centres), before other, less sustainable locations are chosen.

Council officers agreed that there are no sequentially preferable sites available in nearby district centres.

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An impact assessment was also carried out to support the application which found that Swallownest can support both a Lidl store and the Aldi but adds that "it is considered that there is likely to be an adverse impact upon the health of Swallownest district centre, although not of a scale to constitute a likely significant cumulative impact." The existing Co-op store is likely to be adversely affected by a new Lidl.

Officers concluded that the applicant has satisfactorily passed the impact assessment and the principle of the proposal satisfactorily complies with national and local policies. They are also satisfied with the any highways or noise impacts, and with the improved greenspace and sports facilities.

The planning board at Rotherham Council are due to discuss and vote on the proposals next week.

Lidl was founded in Germany in the 1930's and has grown consistently, now operating over 10,000 stores in 27 countries. Launching in the UK in September 1994, Lidl today has over 800 stores in Great Britain.

The discounter is committed to fulfilling its ambitious store opening programme, despite disruption to construction amid the coronavirus pandemic. In July it confirmed plans to open over 25 stores, amounting to one per week, and create up to 1,000 jobs by the end of 2020. An additional 100 stores are planned to open across 2021 and 2022.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl / Google Maps

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News: Early interest in former Rotherham VW showroom

Commercial property agents are encouraged by the early interest in a former car showroom in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported last month that the former Volkswagen Rotherham site in Wickersley had gone up for sale having been closed by operators, JCT600.

The building and site occupies a prominent position fronting Bawtry Road and comprises approximately 17,757 sq ft of showroom, workshop and ancillary offices.

Externally, there are used car display areas to the front of the showroom with a substantial customer, staff and Service Parking area to the rear with the total site area covering approximately 1.28 acres.

Peter Whiteley, head of Knight Frank in Sheffield, which is marketing the building with Eaton Commercial, said: "This extremely well located and presented property is immediately available and could be of interest to a wide variety of potential occupiers, investors and developers.

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"The site benefits from a prominent position located on the A631 Bawtry Road and is close to a number of retail outlets including Aldi, Morrisons Supermarket, McDonalds and the local high quality facilities within Wickersley.

"It also benefits from fantastic motorway links being located close to Junction 1 of the M18 and links to the M1 and M62.

Robert Eaton added: "The site has existing consent as a motor vehicle showroom and other potential uses may require appropriate consents with the local planning office.

"We are encouraged by the early interest expressed in the property for both existing use and potential redevelopment."

The asking price for the freehold is £1.55m and a leasehold may also be considered.

Knight Frank website
Eaton Commercial website

Images: Knight Frank

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News: Rotherham car showroom goes up for sale

An empty car showroom in Rotherham has been put up for sale with many residents already raising concerns over its future use as a supermarket.

Rothbiz reported in June that JCT600 had closed its Volkswagen Rotherham site in Wickersley following a decision made at the end of last year, before the car industry was hit by the Coronavius pandemic.

Many residents already believe that the site has been earmarked by German discount supermarket, Lidl.

The prominent site on Bawtry Road has now gone up for sale with agents Knight Frank and Eaton Commercial.

The asking price for the freehold is £1.55m and a leasehold may also be considered

The site extends to 1.277 acres (0.517 hectares) and currently includes the vacant double fronted showroom plus space previously used for offices, parts and workshops. The buildings on site total 17,700 sq ft with space for over 100 cars.

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Regarding rumours of Lidl moving in, a spokesperson for Wickersley Parish Council, said: "Many local people have contacted the Parish about the possibility of a Lidl Supermarket opening on the site of the former JCT600 / VW garage premises at 245 Bawtry Road S66 2JL.

"At this point in time the Parish is unaware of any planning application in relation to this having been made to Rotherham Borough Council.

"We would encourage anyone concerned to keep their own check on the portal for planning applications on the RMBC website."

Lidl publishes its property requirements and in Rotherham it has site requirements for Kimberworth, Maltby, Rawmarsh, Swallownest and Wickersley/Bramley.

Looking to take on the "Big Four" supermarkets and rival chain, Aldi, Lidl had aims to go from 800 to 1,000 stores by 2023. Its most recent opening in Rotherham was at Dalton and plans have been submitted for a site in Swallownest.

The Bawtry Road site, which was kept within the residential area in the borough's local plan, is smaller than the 1.5 acres plus for standalone stores that Lidl requires.

Images: Knight Frank

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News: Here's where Lidl wants to build its next Rotherham store and it involves demolishing a church

A planning application has been submitted for a new retail foodstore in Rotherham by German global discount chain, Lidl, a year on from its last proposal in the borough.

Lidl was founded in Germany in the 1930's and has grown consistently, now operating over 10,000 stores in 27 countries. Launching in the UK in September 1994, Lidl today has 760 stores and 13 warehouses in England, Scotland and Wales, with plans to open a further 50 new stores this year.

Lidl already operates on the edge of Rotherham town centre and a new store is due to open soon in Dalton.

Plans have now been submitted for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest that would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, improvements to changing rooms and playing pitches at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

The plans, drawn up by HTC Architects, show the store positioned on the site towards the north east corner with an active frontage including extensive glazed elements along Rotherham Road. 98 car parking spaces have been proposed for the retail scheme.

The new Lidl food store would create up to 40 employment opportunities.

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Rival chain Aldi, has secured planning permission for a store at nearby Fence but only an access road has been created.

Lidl's site, which is close to Swallownest Primary School, was allocated for community use, greenspace and green belt in the Council's local plan.

The application adds that community facilities will be improved and that the church will use proceeds from the sale to invest in partner churches at Ulley and Aston.

The applicants have also included a sequential assessment and an assessment of retail impact. Sequential tests ensure that development is located in the most sustainable location first (usually in town centres), before other, less sustainable locations are chosen.

The assessments conclude that there are no available sites within the Swallownest District Centre and that "the proposal would achieve the aim of enhancing consumer choice in the area, as well as reducing leakage of expenditure out of the area. There would not be a significant adverse impact on the centre."

There has been significant concern raised by the community about the proposed developments impact on the existing road network, particularly Rotherham Road. The Transport Assessment included with the plans considered that the existing road network would not see a significant increase in vehicle movements and the proposed development will not have a detrimental impact on the number or severity of accidents in the area.

Lidl have already stated that they are happy for parents to use their car park when dropping off and collecting pupils from the nearby school as long as they are within the maximum stay time of 90 minutes.

Rotherham Council will now need to decide if any adverse impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of granting planning permission.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl / HTC Architects

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News: Gelder Group bag Rotherham Lidl contract

Construction work is underway on a new discount foodstore in Rotherham with the Gelder Group securing the £3m contract.

Rothbiz has reported on plans by Lidl for a new store that would create around 40 jobs on land at Dalton. The plans, approved by the Council in July, are for a new 23,700 sq ft "modern and attractive neighbourhood foodstore" on the site of the former Dalton Progressive Working Men's Club.

Gelder Group, which has its HQ in Lincolnshire, first opened a Sheffield office in January 2016 in Chapeltown, but quickly outgrew the space and within three months moved into a 260 sq ft office within the same building. The team relocated earlier this year to a third office, at Templeborough in Rotherham, which is almost triple the size of the previous one.

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The company's facilities, maintenance and building department has secured its third project to build new stores for the global supermarket.

The new Lidl store is due to open in June 2019.

James Flintham, commercial manager at Gelder Group, which which delivers projects across a range of sectors including education, health, retail, insurance, leisure, heritage and residential, said: "The tendering process to secure this build has been particularly rigorous, however I feel our track record of previous builds for the brand was in our favour and we are delighted to have secured this £3m contract.

"We are always keen to use the local supply chain on our project and this is no exception, in particular we are keen to make contact with local suppliers and subcontractors for fencing, paving, landscaping and decorating."

Gelder Group website

Images: SMR Architects

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News: Lidl to trial "Too Good to Waste" veg boxes in Rotherham

A trial initiative designed to reduce fruit and veg waste has been launched by discount retailer Lidl, and the Rotherham store is set to be one of the first to benefit.

The German firm has become the first supermarket to introduce "Too Good to Waste" fruit and vegetable boxes, containing items that are no longer considered at their perfect best, but are still perfectly good to eat.

The trial is taking place in 122 Lidl stores and has been designed to tackle fruit and veg waste in store, which is one of the biggest contributors to supermarket food waste and could, if rolled out nationwide, help save 10,000 tonnes of surplus produce a year.

The "wonky veg" boxes are priced at just £1.50 for approximately 5kg of mixed fruit and veg.

The Daily Mirror is reporting that the Rotherham store on the edge of the town centre is one of the 122 out of 710+ Lidl stores were trials will be taking place.

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Christian Härtnagel, CEO of Lidl UK, said: "Food waste is one of the most important topics that our industry is facing, and one that we are fully committed to tackling. This is why, in 2017, we set ourselves the ambitious target of reducing our food waste by 25% across just three years.

"We're proud that in just one year, our stores have managed to cut food waste by 13%, however we recognise that there's still a long way to go, to get where we need to be. We're fortunate that our business model gives us the flexibility and agility to be creative and trial new approaches that can have a real, positive impact.

"Proportionately, we sell the most fruit and veg in the sector, but we know from our data that fresh produce is one of the biggest contributors to food waste in stores, so we're excited by the difference our "Too Good to Waste" initiative will make. Not only will it help customers consider items that they might have previously dismissed, it will also provide an opportunity for them to make further savings."

Other initiatives include not including "Best Before" dates on 90% of its fruit and veg, allowing customers to make common sense decisions. And launched in January 2017, Lidl's Feed It Back programme sees the discounter working in partnership with Neighbourly to connect its stores with local charities and donate quality food waste.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl

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News: New Rotherham Lidl set for planning approval

A planning application looks set to be approved for a new retail foodstore in Rotherham from German global discount chain, Lidl.

Rothbiz reported first last year on Lidl bringing forward plans for a new store that would create around 40 jobs on land at Dalton. The plans are now set to go in front of the planning board at Rotherham Council this week and members are being recommended by officers that they are approved.

The plans are for a new 23,700 sq ft "modern and attractive neighbourhood foodstore" on the site of the former Dalton Progressive Working Men's Club. With a sales area of 14,200 sq ft the store is estimated to generate a turnover of £7.12m.

The club building was vacated after the operation fell into administration in 2016. The property burnt down in February 2018 and the site of proposed store includes land to the north and west of the demolished building. A regional housebuilder showed interest in the site but it never transpired to a sale.

Due to the constraints that the site presents, the retail unit will be positioned behind the line of existing development. 127 parking spaces are featured in the plans and assessments over transport and noise are included, as is a scheme for landscaping around the development.

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The Doncaster Road site was identified for a mix of retail and residential use in the recently adopted Sites and Policies Document and is considered edge-of-centre in planning terms.

It is agreed that Lidl offers a relatively limited range of products and would often not seek to compete directly with existing local retail operators. However, an impact test has been included with the proposals.

The plans, drawn up by consultants at Walshingham Planning, stated: "The new Lidl foodstore will significantly enhance the current physical appearance of the site and surrounding local centre.

"The new foodstore will not have any significant adverse impacts on any designated centre, and will not compromise any committed or planned public and private investment. In fact, the proposal will significantly strengthen the convenience retail offer available in Dalton Local Centre, thus enhancing its vitality and viability."

In addition, two objections were received relating to highway safety considerations and with regard to the likely generation of traffic and likely impact on the surrounding highway network but the Council's Transportation Unit have concluded that this is not likely to be materially detrimental.

Lidl was founded in Germany in the 1930's and has grown consistently, now operating over 10,000 stores in 27 countries. Launching in the UK in September 1994, Lidl today has 670 stores here - with one on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

According to analysts, Kantar Worldpanel, Lidl experienced a 10% increase in sales growth over the last year, the only bricks and mortar retailer to experience double digital growth. The discounter has a market share of 5.4%. Lidl bosses have previously discussed its aggressive expansion with a plan to roll-out "at least one shop a week" with investment of £1.45bn up to 2019.

Lidl website

Images: SMR Architects

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News: Plans in for new Rotherham Lidl

A planning application has been submitted for a new retail foodstore in Rotherham by German global discount chain, Lidl.

Rothbiz reported first on Lidl bringing forward plans for a new store that would create around 40 jobs on land at Dalton.

Lidl was founded in Germany in the 1930's and has grown consistently, now operating over 10,000 stores in 27 countries. Launching in the UK in September 1994, Lidl today has 670 stores here - with one on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

The proposed new store is on the site of Dalton Progressive Working Men's Club where the building was vacated after the club fell into administration in 2016. The property burnt down in February and the site of proposed store includes land to the north and west of the demolished building.

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The plans, drawn up by consultants at Walshingham Planning, state: "The proposal will provide an improvement to the quantitative and qualitative convenience goods offer within Dalton by providing a discount retailer to serve the local catchment area. The development will provide increased consumer choice in price and products, enhance healthy competition and productivity, as well as meeting the needs of the whole community.

"The new Lidl foodstore will significantly enhance the current physical appearance of the site and surrounding local centre.

"The proposal will secure the development of a previously developed site on a key arterial route between Rotherham Town Centre and Conisbrough. The proposed scheme will bring the site into intensive economic use, creating up to 40 new jobs and enhancing the vitality and viability of the local area in a sustainable way."

Set back from the road, the plans show a new 23,700 sq ft "modern and attractive neighbourhood foodstore" with a sales area of 14,200 sq ft, generating an estimated turnover of £7.12m.

127 parking spaces are featured in the plans and assessments over transport and noise are included, as is a scheme for landscaping around the development.

The design of the scheme is based on Lidl's latest concept model which is currently in the process of rolling out across the UK. The design from SMR Architects includes a glazed façade to the south elevation facing Doncaster Road.

Part of the site has been earmarked for residential use in the emerging local plan and the applicants have included details on why the use for a retail store instead of housing would not "detrimentally impact on the Council's ability to meet its housing needs during the remaining Plan period."

On the need for another discount retailer in the area, the applicant believes that the demand is there as current local stores are trading well, adding that the Aldi at Parkgate is "trading more than three times above benchmark levels."

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A sequential test was not considered necessary but as the site is not within a designated town centre (the site falls partly within and partly on the edge of the local centre), a retail impact assessment has been carried out which shows how the store would divert trade away from retailers in surrounding areas.

The applicants conclude: "We do not believe that the proposed development will have a significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of any designated centres."

It is assumed that the proposed foodstore development will be completed within the next 18 months.

According to analysts, Kantar Worldpanel, Lidl has seen year-on-year sales growth of 10.3% to reach a 5.3% share of the market. Lidl bosses have previously discussed its aggressive expansion with a plan to roll-out "at least one shop a week" with investment of £1.45bn up to 2019.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl / Walshingham Planning / SMR

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News: Serious fire breaks out at proposed site for new Lidl

Just hours after a consultation event over proposals for a new Lidl store in Rotherham, the building on the identified site was destroyed by fire.

Rothbiz reported first on German global discount chain, Lidl, bringing forward plans for a new store that would create around 40 jobs.

Firefighters were called at 2:10am this morning to a large fire at the former Dalton Progressive Working Men's Club on Doncaster Road. The disused building was well alight when fire crews arrived. At the height of the fire there were six fire engines in attendance.

The building was vacated after the club fell into administration in 2016.

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South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue said that firefighters worked hard to tackle the fire including putting in fire breaks to try and prevent the fire from spreading to other properties. At 8am the fire was under control with three fire engines still at the scene.

Firefighters will remain there damping down for most of the morning and once the fire is completely out then the investigation into the cause of it can begin.

Agents for Lidl, Walshingham Planning, held a consultation event at Dalton Parish Hall on Thursday.

Details submitted to the Council show that the store would be around 22,000 sq ft, providing 14,000 sq ft of sales floorspace. 80% of which would be used for convenience goods and 20% for seasonal non-food items. A 132 space car park is also being planned.

The incident comes just months after a large fire at a disused former council building on nearby Dalton Lane.

A planning application has recently been submitted in order to approve the demolition of the remaining structure, previously known as Millside. The plans state that the aim is to ready the site for future redevelopment as housing.

Lidl website

Images: SYFR / Walshingham Planning

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