Lidl still has hopes for Dorchester site (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Lidl still has hopes for Dorchester site

A SUPERMARKET that saw proposals for a store in Dorchester knocked back by planners is still hopeful of setting up in the town.

A planning application for a Lidl store at the former Loders Toyota dealership at The Grove was rejected by planning officers at West Dorset District Council last month.

The scheme was turned down after highway officials at Dorset County Council raised concerns over the impact of the proposed store on the busy junction at the entrance to the site.

Lidl says it has since been working with the highways team to address the concerns raised and is hopeful of coming back to the table with a scheme that will meet with universal approval.

Development director James Mitchell said: “We have had a meeting with the county council and hopefully there now appears to be a way forward for a sustainable highways scheme.

“We are working with them at the moment and there are one or two other things that were picked up on in the application and once we have got something that is agreeable we can look towards making a second attempt. We are confident we can tackle the issues.”

Mr Mitchell said a public open day held after the planning application was submitted had confirmed his belief that there was public support for a Lidl store in the town. He added: “I’m absolutely convinced there is desire to see the store.

“It was apparent at the open day that there was an overwhelming surge of support for the scheme.

“We are extremely encouraged by the local support we have had.

“It’s apparent that everybody would like to see a Lidl store but clearly there are some practical hurdles which we need to clear.”

West Dorset District Council case officer David Hodges said: “We will consider any further applications to redevelop this site on their merits.

“The previous application from Lidl was refused for a number of reasons and Lidl would need to show they have dealt with all of these reasons for refusal in any subsequent application.”

Chamber president Denise Addison said she hoped if the store proposals came back before the council they would be considered by the planning committee, rather than delegated to officers.

She said: “We want to see it go to the committee then one feels it has been given a fair chance, whichever way it goes.”

Peter Noble, chief executive of the Dorchester and District Chamber of Commerce, said he would ‘welcome’ Lidl resubmitting their plans if the traffic issues are properly addressed.

He said: “I think it is a good idea and the vast majority of people are in agreement.

“The Toyota garage has gone anyway so it’s an empty building and if a few more go like that then that part of town would be dead.”