Lidl lodges plans for Cheadle Heath store
The rapidly expanding supermarket chain wants to demolish Cheadle Heath Works on Stockport Road and build a 20,000 sq ft store.
Lidl has lodged a planning application with Stockport Council for the scheme, which would feature 100 parking spaces.
The building, located close to Junction 2 of the M60, is currently occupied by Deanprint, acquired by Eccles-based Manchester Printers Group in August, among others.
The printing company will relocate from Cheadle Heath Works, its home for more than a century, to a 22,000 sq ft unit at Logicor’s Lawnhurst Trading Estate.
Lidl’s Cheadle project forms part of the company’s plans to grow its UK presence to 1,100 stores by 2025.
A public consultation held ahead of the submission of plans garnered 256 responses. The majority – 47% or 119 individuals – expressed support for the project, while 88 people were against it. 19% of respondents were neutral.
To learn more about the scheme, search for reference number DC/087761 on Stockport Council’s planning portal.
Lidl currently has 929 stores in the UK, having invested £1.3bn in the last two years to expand its reach.
In recent months plans for new stores in Chorlton, Wythenshawe, Southport, Belle Vale and Wavertree have progressed.
In the summer, Lidl lost its appeal against the refusal of proposals for a store at Salboy’s Castle Irwell development in Salford.
Since then, a revised application has been submitted.
Not a fan of the building being set back so instead of active frontage we get a big ugly car park and more Americanisation of UK streets. Bring the building streetside and put the car park behind out of sight!
By W
But W, if the car parking is at the rear then that is where the entrance will also have to be so the building will have turned its back to the street.
By Bentley Driver
But, Bentley Driver, they could always put the entrance at the front so people arriving by cycle, on foot or off public transport can get to it. Or on the corner so it’s equally good for all.
They could also put a few storeys of residential on top to a) make far more efficient use of the land and b) give themselves some on-site customers. They’ve done it elsewhere – why don’t they think this location deserves better?
By Martin Cranmer
@W as well as the sensible comment from Bentley, bringing the building streetside reduces sunlight and for pedestrians it increases fumes from traffic which doesn’t dissipate as quickly and generally makes the street scene feel more crowded. Developments are generally better when set back from the street which also allows future expansion of pavements or lanes. It’s not Americanisation as many countries all over the world have this type of layout….because it makes more sense.
By Anon
@Martin yes residential at top would be a good use of space but supermarkets don’t want their future land value negatively impacted or residents stopping them from changing how they operate…same situation in Chorlton where the area would benefit from apartments above the Lidl. Also, it’d be super convenient to level above a Lidl!
By Anon
It’s a supermarket in a suburban location, fronting onto a busy main road, not a mixed-use city centre urban development, where active frontage is important. Mature trees and planting to provide a buffer to the traffic but also soften the appearance of the site would be welcome.
I love Lidl, in-particular the one at Handforth Dean which is truly amazing and I hope this one lives up to the same standard and provides the same food offer.
I hope this gets through planning and on to site quickly. Bring on Lidl!
By Peter
Why not provide underground parking and allow more space for tree and habitat planting? These single storey supermarkets and massive at-grade car parks are a disgraceful waste of space, particularly on brownfield sites such as this. Viability definitely isn’t an issue… supermarkets in these countries are making crazy profits on the back of these sort of low cost, poor quality developments (and on the back of ripping off farmers).
By Anonymous
Hear hear, Martin Cranmer.
By Active Travel Trev