Lidl to open new store near Stockport town centre despite claim it will be 'a blot on the landscape for decades to come'

Lidl is to open a new store on the outskirts of Stockport town centre despite claims it will be a ‘blot on the landscape for decades to come’. Councillors have given the discount retailer permission to build the supermarket on the corner of Sparthfield Road and Wellington Road North (A6) , in Heaton Norris.

The single-storey shop will face on to Sparthfield Road, while the two acre site will also feature 107 parking spaces - including disabled, parent and child and electric vehicle charging bays. There will also be parking for up to 24 bicycles.

The proposals went before a Heatons and Reddish area committee meeting on Monday night (October 17). Jonathan Harper, of consultants Rapley’s, spoke in support of the application on Lidl’s behalf, telling the committee there were ‘a number of clear tangible benefits to the scheme’. READ MORE : Lidl planning to open new Stockport store at industrial works site

He said: “The development represents a significant investment by Lidl, which will undoubtedly boost the local economy and result in the creation of around 40 jobs - which carries particular importance at this present time. It will facilitate the redevelopment of a brownfield site, which represents sustainable development in its truest sense and allow residents in the area to shop more locally and sustainably - and assist in delivering the proposed cycle lane adjacent to the site.”

Mr Harper added that the store would boast a ‘modern, attractive’ design and ‘contribute positively to the surrounding area’. The council also heard from Kathy England, chair of Walk Ride Heatons, which promotes walking and cycling in the area.

She said that while the group did not object to the new store in principle, the plans were too ‘car