Lidl to open in Bromley Cross as plans given green light

A Lidl supermarket is coming to the village after the approval of planning permission was set in stone by Bolton Council. 

The German giant applied to the council more than four years ago sparking a saga including involvement from the High Court.

Initially, the development, which comprises a Lidl supermarket as well as a retirement complex, parking for Bromley Cross train station and pitches for Bromley Cross FC, was approved by the council. However it was quashed by after a challenge by the Co-Operative Group Ltd was successful at the start of 2022.

The Co-Operative Group Ltd, which has a Co-Op supermarket on the same road, based its case on the availability, or otherwise, of evidence about the viability of the development, which includes a mix of developed land and undeveloped land on Green Belt and includes the demolition of what was Hollands Nurseries.

Around six months ago the application was ready for reconsideration by the Planning Committee, who referred it to the Director of Place, who referred it to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up in turn.

Then at the end of last week a notice for the approval of planning permission appeared on the planning portal.

It reads: “The Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council hereby give notice permission has been granted for the development in accordance with the application and the plans submitted subject to the conditions.”

There are 36 conditions from improvements to Darwen Road to the creation of a habitat for bats and birds.

The work must start before the planning permission expires in 2026.

Nadim Muslim, a councillor for Bromley Cross, said: “This is not only a supermarket, it is delivering parking for commuters, it is delivering pitches for the community, so it is a lot of benefit from the scheme which is the reason the councillors [for Bromley Cross] and previous councillors David Greenhalgh and Norman Critchley supported it.

“The benefits it brings to the residents are significant. It is a positive step we are at this stage and I hope they’ll crack on with the work pretty soon.”

A Lidl spokesperson was asked by The Bolton News for a comment.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.

Source – INDIA TV