Lidl submits plan for new Shropshire store
Up to 60 jobs could be created by building a new complex in Oswestry which would include a Lidl supermarket.
The discount retailer plans to build on the site of the JT Hughes car dealership in Victoria Road on the edge of the town, creating the equivalent of 20 full-time jobs.
There would be three further shops on the site. Pets at Home has confirmed it would be interested in one of the plots while the other two are still to be confirmed. In total it is hoped 60 jobs would be created between the four shops.
JT Hughes is expected to move to a new purpose-built site elsewhere in the town. So far it has not announced where it will be or when the business will be moving.
Christian Hawley, property director for Lidl, said work on the site will start as soon as possible after Shropshire Council grants planning permission.
He said: "Usually we would say we'll start work as soon as possible, but on this occasion it is slightly different as we need JT Hughes to move out first so that will take about 12 months and then we would start on site."
"The store should be open a further six months after that, so 18 months total time."
One objection has been lodged to the proposals so far as town resident Matthew Worsdell raised concerns about traffic issues at the site, which is on a junction with one of the main routes into the town.
He said: "It is my opinion that it would be in the best interests of Lidl to propose a scheme of road improvements which would alleviate this potential bottleneck. Choking this route into town is not going to help insure the long term future of the town centre either."
Lidl is also planning to open a new store in Mill Lane, Welshpool, creating up to 40 new jobs.
The company submitted a planning application for that site to Powys County Council and is waiting for a decision.
