A former Bensham garage site could become home to a new Lidl if councillors approve proposals plans next week.
Gateshead Council’s planning and development committee will convene to decide on an application for a new 1,962 sqm Lidl store on Lobley Hill Road. Council documents state, if approved, the Lidl would be open from 8am to 10pm on Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 6pm on Sundays.
Documents also claim the development could generate up to 40 full-time jobs. Local authority officers have recommended the plans be granted full planning permission. The creation of the store will require the demolition of existing buildings on the former Robins And Day Ltd Peugeot garage site.
Officers’ recommendations read: “The proposed development would involve re-development of a vacant, previously developed site, in a sustainable, urban location within the Borough to create a new discount food store. This would provide the opportunity for access to reasonably priced, fresh food, promoting healthier choices for residents of this more economically deprived area of the Borough.”
The proposed Lidl has received 13 public statements of support on the council’s online planning portal.
One supporter commented: “The development will improve the appearance of the area and reduce problems of anti-social behaviour on the currently derelict site.” Another posed: “There will be increased foot traffic in the area which will benefit other local businesses by attracting new clientele.”
Council papers also showed that residents were supportive of the proposals given the site had been “abandoned” and subject to anti-social behaviour and fires. Councillors will gather at Gateshead Civic Centre on at 10am on June 12 to decide on the application.
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