A SUPERMARKET giant which ended its almost three-year quest to build on land following ‘significant’ delays with Barnsley Council’s planning process has reiterated its commitment to finding an alternative site in the town.
Lidl lodged its bid for a new store on Sheffield Road, off Birdwell roundabout, with a proposed new access off Cross Keys Lane in early 2022 before withdrawing the application just days before a planning meeting which was scheduled for December last year.
Residents raised concerns about noise, disturbance and air pollution from delivery lorries, loss of greenspace, impact on house prices and possible impact on the Cross Keys pub in Hoyland.
Planning bosses had earmarked the original bid for refusal, so the German retailer decided to delay, which resulted moving the potential store further along Cross Keys Lane in its re-submitted plan.
However, last week it was revealed that Lidl had pulled the plug for a second time, citing the council’s planning board in a statement - but bosses are now ‘actively searching’ for a new site.
A spokesperson said: “Over the years our teams have worked incredibly hard to explore all the options to deliver a new Lidl store to this site.
“However, due to significant delays throughout the planning process our contract on the site has now expired.
“Regrettably, we will therefore not be progressing with the site, but would like to reassure the community that our teams are actively searching for a suitable alternative within the area.”
Campaign group REACH (Rebuilding Environment and Community In Hoyland) said residents had been ‘furious’ with the plan and subsequently lodged a 200-signature petition with the council over Lidl’s plan before it was shelved.
They claimed Hoyland - and particularly the Rockingham ward of which it is a part of - has had its greenspaces taken away for development which has seen multiple warehouses built in recent years, such as Evri’s parcel distribution ‘megahub’.
However, Lidl chief executive Ryan McDonnell said the firm’s committed to extending its reach and building upon Barnsley’s others stores in the town centre, Staincross and Wombwell.
The Chronicle understands Penistone is an area that’s long been looked at as a priority by the supermarket, which has more than 900 stores across the country.
“The last few years have been challenging for everyone but we’ve made it clear that we’re more committed than ever to ensuring that every single household has access to a Lidl store.
“That’s why our focus is firmly on the future as we continue to grow and invest in our infrastructure, while keeping a lookout for more sites and locations.”
