Fresh concerns have emerged over the Ashby Lidl ‘percentage’ plan as the decision is made

A final decision on a “confident” plan for a new Lidl in Leicestershire has been delayed. The controversial proposal would see the empty Ashfield House office block in Ashby’s Resolution Road demolished and replaced with a “clean and contemporary” supermarket.

However, concerns about the loss of offices and potential traffic problems on Resolution Road and nearby Nottingham Road have been long-standing. Officials at North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) were urged to finally approve the scheme at a meeting last week, but concerns were once again raised about traffic safety.

Ward member Councilor Murrae Blair-Park was among those who spoke at the meeting. He said: “Traffic along Nottingham Road has built up to breaking point. The streets are now blocked every day. It is very clear to the people of Ashby that the area is now out of control when it comes to traffic management.”

READ MORE: 1,500 homes have been approved, despite claims that warehouses will loom over homes

The proposed new store would be adjacent to an existing Tesco, while Aldi and M&S supermarkets are located directly opposite the proposed site. Access to the supermarket would be via the Resolution Road roundabout.

Ashby Civic Society previously claimed the proposed Lidl would lead to “traffic paralysis” in the area. Coun Blair-Park was equally apprehensive, saying: “There is a major problem with traffic and congestion in that space. The addition of a Lidl to a well-known bottleneck will have a negative impact on motorways and will be exacerbated by the Money Hill development when it is completed.”

However, councilors were told that Leicestershire County Council’s highways teams did not raise highways issues. Lidl agent Rapleys said he believed this meant the scheme should go ahead.

Richard Huteson, of Rapleys, told councillors: “The local highways team is satisfied that the proposal is acceptable from a motorway and transport perspective.” He added: “The proposal will contribute positively to the surrounding area (and) enhance the site through the delivery of an attractive building.”

But many councilors remained concerned. Councilor Dave Everitt said: “This is absolute madness. Why would you want to have a commercial complex on one side of the road (…) then you want to add another adjacent? (You) must be stupid. Does not make sense. It will be a big mistake. There will be crashes and the thing will become even more stuck than it is now.”

Concerns were also raised about the loss of Ashfield House, but Mr Huteson said the supermarket had “justified” the demolition plan. after previously saying there was a “lack of demand” to keep the offices.

He told councillors: “There are a number of clear tangible benefits from the scheme. The development represents a significant investment by Lidl which will undoubtedly boost the local economy and result in the creation of up to 40 jobs for local people. It will also provide a new discount grocery store for the residents of Ashby, which will improve the local shopping option and enable more residents to shop locally and sustainably.”

However, concerns over traffic safety and other issues have led councilors to avoid making a final decision on the scheme. The NWLDC voted unanimously to postpone the decision and seek assurances from Lidl ahead of a new decision date, which has yet to be confirmed.

Now we bring you the latest updates on WhatsApp first