Green councillors in Bath have raised ongoing concerns about Lidl’s controversial plans for a new supermarket on Lambridge meadow, as the application process is set to go quiet for several months.
The second planning application (ref: 25/01403/FUL), submitted earlier this year, has been given an extension to allow Lidl to carry out further work on transport modelling. This follows discussions between council officers and National Highways to agree the scope of the modelling.
Cllr Joanna Wright (Green, Lambridge) and Cllr Saskia Heijltjes (Green, Lambridge) both objected to Lidl’s original application in 2023, raising concerns about increased traffic, road danger, air pollution and the loss of a valuable green space at Bath’s eastern gateway.
“Lambridge meadow is not the right place for a supermarket,” said Cllr Joanna Wright. “Residents are rightly worried about the impact of increased traffic at this site and how vehicles will be diverted into residential streets. Further the harm this development would do to biodiversity and retail in the area is significant. Bath already has one Lidl store, it doesn’t need a second.”
The councillors stress that once Lidl submits the new highways information, there will be a full round of public re-consultation, giving residents and stakeholders another opportunity to have their say.
“This delay reflects the serious concerns about traffic impacts. The London Road is already at capacity, and access to the proposed store would create significant problems for safe walking, wheeling and cycling provision in the area,” said Cllr Saskia Heijltjes. “We encourage local people to stay engaged and be ready to respond when the consultation reopens later this year.”
The extension means a decision on the application is not expected before the end of 2025.