Plans for new Lidl supermarket at former depot site set for approval
Plans for a new discount supermarket at a former council depot in Segensworth have been recommended for approval, with the final decision looming.
Lidl wants to transform the 1.3-hectare site, previously used as a Hampshire County Council depot, at the junction of Southampton Road and Cartwright Drive, into a new store. The triangular piece of land is now an overgrown former carpark, but previously contained temporary office accommodation which was used by Highways England.
If approved, up to 40 new jobs will be created in the area.
The supermarket giant lodged the proposals last year, and councillors at Fareham Borough Council will make a decision next week.
Ahead of the planning committee meeting on May 20, planning officers have published a report recommending that the plans be approved. The report said that when assessing the scheme, particular weight was given to the likely impact on Locks Heath district centre.
But the council’s retail consultant concluded that, although the scheme would have some adverse effect on the centre, it would not be significantly harmful to the district centre overall.
Planning officers also believe that the scheme would not cause unacceptable problems for the nearby road network, including St Margaret’s Roundabout.
The amount of parking – 121 car parking spaces – is also deemed to be satisfactory.
The report said: “Officers are satisfied that there is a quantitative and qualitative need for the proposed use.
“The applicant has sufficiently demonstrated that there are no sequentially preferable sites within defined centres that are suitable, available, or viable for a food store of the scale proposed.”
Several letters were submitted to Fareham Borough Council after the plans were submitted.
Most of the letters were made in support of Lidl’s plans.
One of the comments said the introduction of Lidl “will make life a lot easier for nearby residents”, adding: “Accessing the Lidl in Whiteley can be difficult, what with the motorway traffic and people visiting the Whiteley retail centre.
“The new store will help greatly with this.”
However, other residents objected to the scheme, with one citing traffic and safety concerns.
The commenter said: “I object to this plan purely on the entrance and exit to Cartwright Drive.
“Lidl should fund the construction of a roundabout to make things safer.”
Planning committee members will make a decision on the plans on Wednesday, May 20.