Lidl plans in Newport revived
Plans to bring Lidl to Newport are back on the cards - days after costly plans for a Sainsbury's superstore were abandoned.
Businessman David Brierley has applied to build the discount store next to the Mere Park Garden Centre, on the outskirts of town.
See also: Accusations fly as Newport supermarket plans scrapped.
Mr Brierley, of Growing Enterprises Ltd, said he is confident the plans would be good for the town.
A previous attempt to build the store at the site was rejected by Telford & Wrekin planners earlier this year.
They had concerns over a lack of transport and said it would be development on a greenfield site.
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The supermarket could take over the garden centre using existing planning permission, but Mr Brierley said the German chain preferred to build a brand new store - which would create more jobs.
Mr Brierley said: "We listened very carefully to the two reasons given for refusal back in July and I think anybody examining the resubmission will know that we have dealt with them.
"It would be my real hope and desire that this application will be dealt with quickly and positively to create jobs which will be needed to meet the expected housing boom in Newport and to stop wasting hundreds of thousands of rate payers money which will only be added to should it go to appeal.
"From all our previous consultations we know that people would like to see a quality discounted offering and I am assured by our partners that work would commence immediately."
Mr Brierley said Arriva has signalled it could divert its 481 service to stop outside the garden centre - which would answer concerns over transport.
Rival chain Aldi has been given permission to knock down the former Focus DIY store in Audley Avenue to build a 1,745 square metre supermarket.
Patrick Beech, chairman of Newport Chamber of Commerce said Aldi and Lidl could compliment each other.
"We have wanted a low cost supermarket going back four years now and we have got one now with Aldi and we have got no objection now to a Lidl, we would welcome it," he said.
"All these houses that are being built, they are going up everywhere and we need another low cost supermarket and Lidl and Aldi will compliment each other so I am in favour of it.
"A low cost supermarket is what we wanted with the new houses being built. The population need to be able to shop in Newport rather than go to Donnington or Telford or wherever they would choose to go.
"I am totally in favour of it and I wish David Brierley well.
"It will also be good for jobs with many being created on the edge of Newport. People will shop there and if won't affect the High Street."
Councillor Adrian Meredith, a member of Save Newport Campaign, added: "I think that is something we would support, I would certainly not have any objections to it. I welcome this development."
See also: Council hits back at claims thousands were squandered on Newport supermarket appeals.
A Lidl spokeswoman said: "We are still very ambitious to provide a Lidl store to the residents of Newport."
Councillors, who were hoping to make at least £21 million through selling the council-owned land, said the retail scene in Newport had changed.
