Lidl eyes up Wirral Council-owned plot
A consultation has been launched by the German supermarket giant on proposals for a store off Arrowe Park Road in Upton, as land purchase discussions continue with the local authority.
Feedback on the plan can be given via Lidl’s dedicated website for the project which can be found via this link.
But before a planning application can be submitted, the firm says it needs to acquire a piece of land measuring 37,500 sq ft which is in Wirral Council’s ownership.
Lidl has already snapped up parcels of land surrounding that plot, including the former Upton fire station site, which it needs for the project.
A statement on the project’s website says: “Lidl has previously discussed obtaining part of the proposed site from Wirral Council, following the acquisition of the former fire station and neighbouring properties.
“Subject to agreement from the council to purchase the land, a planning application would then be submitted.”
The website adds: “Lidl is keen to bring high-quality, low-cost products to Upton.
“The site on Arrowe Park Road provides a great opportunity to do so, linking to existing footpaths and cycle routes, and offering a great choice to local shoppers.
“A planning application would be submitted to Wirral Council who will scrutinise our plans and assess the potential impacts of a Lidl store on local highways, nearby properties, and the environment.
“Wirral Council will also consider what impact, if any, a Lidl store will have on local shops in Upton village. We expect this to be minimal, however, given the close proximity to existing supermarkets.”
This is Lidl’s third attempt to secure the outstanding land needed for the development.
In 2020, Wirral Council provisionally approved the sale of the land to Lidl for £820,000 plus fees, but this was pulled after a statutory consultation stage during which the authority received more than 1,000 objections.
Lidl came back at the end of last year with an increased offer of £840,000 for the land but this was also knocked back by councillors.
They opted to retain the site, citing concerns about the potential impact of a supermarket on the area, when the potential sale was put to the authority’s policy and resources committee in December.
In the meantime, Lidl says the project could create up to 40 jobs and feature 95 parking spaces if approved.
