Residents object to revised Swallownest Lidl plans

In 2020, Lidl applied to build a 1,880 sqm supermarket on land off Rotherham Road, as well as the demolition of the Christ Church building, and part of Swallownest Miners Welfare that is currently on the site.

The plans were rejected by RMBC’s planning board in September 2020, on the basis of the “detrimental” impact the new store would have on businesses in the centre of Swallownest.

Lidl bosses say that if approved, the new store will create up to 40 jobs, and will also provide new facilities for the nearby Swallownest Miners Welfare Club.

On RMBC’s planning portal, 24 resident comments have been lodged since the application was registered on April 12.

Of the comments, 22 object to the plans, one does not object but raises concerns and one letter of support has been submitted.

Objections have been raised on the grounds of air quality, effects on current shops in the area, road safety, and increased congestion.

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One resident wrote: “There are already sufficient convenience stores situated in the village and surrounding area.

“The volume of traffic in the area will increase, leading to more congestion, which will have a detrimental impact on the air quality.”

Another added: “We already have a new supermarket less than a mile away, and so surley a fourth would undoubtedly damage Swallownest’s existing central shopping area.”

The letter of support states that “competition with other stores in the area is healthy and necessary”, and the sports club improvements will make it a “worthwhile sporting venue for the community”.

A retail impact assessment states that the Aldi store at Swallow Wood Road which opened last year “demonstrates a clear latent demand for additional discount retail destinations”.

“The Aldi store has clearly widened consumer choice in the area as shown by the significant levels of trade it has made in the past year.

“The Lidl proposal would achieve exactly what national policy seeks; the widening of consumer choice in a highly accessible, edge-of-centre location.”

Residents can have their say on the plans until May 13.