Lidl’s Shrewsbury Supermarket Plans Face New Opposition from Co-op

Plans for a new Lidl supermarket on the outskirts of Shrewsbury have encountered fresh opposition from a local competitor. The proposed site, located at Oxon off Welshpool Road, includes plans for a supermarket, a retail unit, a drive-thru, and 11 houses. This proposal was submitted to Shropshire Council earlier this year.

The opposition now comes from the Mid Counties Co-operative, which operates the nearby Bicton Heath Co-op. The co-operative has formally requested Shropshire Council to reject the proposal, arguing that the development would dominate the local area and deviate from the established plans for the Bicton Heath centre, which is part of the Shrewsbury West Sustainable Urban Extension.

Concerns Over Local Impact

The Mid Counties Co-operative’s submission highlights concerns about the scale of the proposed Lidl store, stating it would not only overshadow but also harm the function of the local centre. In their letter to the council, they assert, “We respectfully request the council to refuse the application, specifically in relation to the scale of the proposed Lidl supermarket in this location.”

The co-operative argues that the development would lead to a “step-change in scale” that could adversely affect local businesses. They assert that Lidl’s projected trade figures indicate that the new store would primarily draw customers away from existing supermarkets rather than attract new ones. The letter states, “The proposed Lidl must achieve its benchmark turnover largely by redistributing spend from existing stores.”

According to the co-operative, Lidl’s own calculations suggest a projected turnover of £11.57 million in 2025, with an estimated £1.15 million diversion from the Co-op. This represents approximately 9.8 percent of the Co-op’s business at opening, a significant concern given the Co-op’s role as an anchor tenant in the local shopping area.

Duplicating Existing Services

The Mid Counties Co-operative further argues that the proposed Lidl would not introduce new retail functions to the area, effectively duplicating services already provided by the Co-op. They point out that the new supermarket would not offer fresh meat or fish counters, a café, pharmacy services, or other amenities that could enhance local diversity.

The letter expresses skepticism about Lidl’s claims that the store would primarily serve a local customer base, suggesting that it would attract a broader demographic from surrounding areas, particularly from the Welshpool Road/A458 corridor. This, they argue, would result in a “wholesale shift in function of the local centre,” ultimately harming the existing businesses within the community.

A decision regarding Lidl’s proposal is expected to be made by Shropshire Council at a later date. The situation reflects ongoing tensions as local authorities balance the need for new developments with the preservation of community dynamics and existing businesses.

For updates on the outcome of the planning application, residents are encouraged to follow local news sources.