Eastleigh: Lidl store refused after objection from school

Eastleigh Borough Council has refused Lidl's application to create 40 jobs by building a 2,304 sqm discount store at North Stoneham Park in Chestnut Avenue.

A council report quoted "serious concerns" raised by Stoneham Park Primary, which occupies an adjoining site.

A CGI of the proposed Lidl store that has been refused by Eastleigh Borough Council (Image: One Design Architects)

Stoneham Park said the back of the supermarket would face the front of the school, adding: "The Year R pupils' outside learning area is located directly behind the proposed structure.

"The area is currently a wonderful space for the children to explore and will become an unattractive, dark and noisy learning environment if this plan is approved.

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"The scale of the proposed supermarket is such that it will dwarf the school building, blocking sunlight to all southerly aspects, including our Year R classrooms.

"Further concerns relate to the level of air pollution the children will be exposed to because of this development.

A CGI of the proposed Lidl store which has been rejected by Eastleigh Borough Council. Picture: One Design Architects (Image: One Design Architects)

"The proposed delivery area is directly in front of the school, so there will be daily lorries making deliveries adjacent to where children are playing and learning."

People living near the site also lodged objections to the proposal, saying it would result in HGVs using Whieldon Way during school drop-off and pick-up times.

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Listing the council's reasons for refusing the application the report raised the prospect of the supermarket undermining the vitality and viability of the town centre.

It also said the development would have an "unacceptable and overbearing" impact on the school.

The interior of a Lidl store. Picture: One Design Architects (Image: One Design Architects)

The report described the site as "completely inappropriate", adding that the overall design of the supermarket was "bland and uninspiring".

Lidl's application said a public consultation resulted in 1,020 people submitting their views, with 83 per cent giving the scheme the thumbs up. However, 13 per cent objected to the new store.

Many of the protesters complained it would result in the loss of open space as well as creating extra traffic problems in the area.

Gareth Marsh, who lives nearby, raised concerns about the potential impact on the school.

An aerial view of the site. Picture: One Design Architects (Image: One Design Architects)

"I’m shocked this is even being considered, seeing how we have loads of supermarkets to choose from all within easy reach, even without a car," he said.

Lidl could decide to lodge an appeal or submit a revised scheme.

A company spokesperson told the Daily Echo: "We are, of course, very disappointed with the planning committee's decision.

"We will not take time to review our proposal and will update the local community on next steps in due course."

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