PLANS to create a new Lidl supermarket at Caldy Valley Retail Park in Chester have been approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The new store, which will be an amalgamation of the Rightway and B&M stores at Unit 3 and 4 of the site together with front and rear extensions, will be the budget supermarket brand’s second in the city, after its Sealand Road location.

First proposed in February 2022, the new development was officially given the go-ahead yesterday (Wednesday, April 10).

The Lidl store is expected to create around 40 jobs, with the retailer saying that it will work alongside both Rightway and B&M to allow staff from the current stores to apply for roles at Lidl.

The existing car park will also be reconfigured to accommodate the front extension with 185 spaces, including 10 disabled spaces and two EV fast charge spaces.

Space for up to six additional EV spaces will also be made. There will also be covered parking for up to 22 bicycles.

Several issues were raised during consultation including the potential increase in traffic, the loss of trees, the frequency of deliveries and the loss of the previous two stores.

There was also support for the new Lidl store, which stated that the discount retailer would be beneficial for residents due to growing cost of living.

These concerns were addressed in a report by a Council planning officer, which stated that the increase in traffic is “not anticipated to result in significant increased delays” or worsening of traffic conditions.

The applicant also “adequately demonstrated” that the integration of the trees proposed for felling during the reconfiguration of the carpark is not possible, but the development “would not result in significant harm to protected species, highway safety, drainage, trees, or residential amenity (subject to conditions.”

The report adds: “The comments in respect of the loss of the currently trading B&M bargains and Rightway are noted. However, the planning system cannot protect against the loss of existing businesses and the proposed development would still retain a retail use within the retail park.”

The report concludes: “Overall, taking into account the above matters the proposals are considered to provide a sustainable form of development in general accordance with the provisions of the relevant policies of the Cheshire West and Chester Council Local Plan (Part One), and the Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan (Part 2). Having regard to the development plan and all other material considerations it is recommended that the application for planning permission is approved, subject to the conditions set out below.”