Bigger Lidl: A render of what the new store will look like (pic. Boyes Rees Architects)

A NEW Lidl store will be built in Haverfordwest after plans were approved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee.

A previous application had come to the committee in February but those plans were refused because officers were unhappy with the design.

Since that meeting, the applicant has met with the council to discuss issues and yesterday (Sep 6), a new application was brought to the committee with a recommendation of approval.

It was considered by officers that the new design was ‘significantly better’ than what had been proposed on the last occasion.

As part of the plans, the current Lidl store on Perrots Road will be demolished as will the former Blands car garage to make way for the new store.

The access into the current site will also be closed off and a new entrance will be located on Thomas Parry Way with a new pedestrian access from Perrotts Road.

However, there were concerns over a shared use path which officers felt should be extended to improve public safety and imposed this condition on the recommendation.

The agent for the application said that Lidl did not think this was needed while some councillors said that the request was excessive.

A vote to remove that condition was passed by seven votes to five.

Agent Owain Griffiths said: “Since that decision in February, we have met with the council’s officers and worked closely with them to address and overcome the concerns previously raised, resulting in a revised application.

“Officers consider it to be an attractive design which would enhance this area of Haverfordwest and the conservation area.

“Lidl is willing to gift an area of land and extend the shared use path along Perrots Road and Thomas Parry Way, thus improving accessibility to the site for cyclists.

“However, officers are now seeking to impose a condition requesting an additional section of a shared use path to be provided on the southern side of Thomas Parry Way, along the frontage of the store together with a crossing point at the store’s access.

“This was raised with us last week but in our opinion there will be no change to pedestrian or cyclist travel line to warrant this additional section of shared use path and the request is considered unreasonable.

“This represents a multi-million pound investment which will regenerate this area, it will provide up to 40 jobs, doubling the existing store’s employment role as well as construction jobs and the replacement store will benefit consumers through increased choice and competition and will not have a detrimental impact on the town centre.”

Cllr Brian Hall said: “I was delighted that the initial application was refused, this is a drastic improvement. The only thing that does concern me is the shared use path and I think it’s essential. One of the conditions is the provision of a shared use path, can we insist the developers fill this in, regardless of the cost, this is a massive investment.”

Cllr Jacob Williams said: “I don’t believe the extension of the shared use path is necessary. The site as it is currently looks like an eyesore. I feel we are imposing this condition just because we can. I don’t think this is a priority.”

Cllr Keith Lewis thanked the agent for his co-operation with the council and added: “This will improve the site significantly. This is an important element in progressing the redevelopment of Haverfordwest. I am of the view that the shared use path is an excessive requirement.

Head of Planning David Fitzsimon asked for the committee’s trust in terms of the shared use path saying they have a duty to encourage sustainable travel patterns and that this was an essential piece of safety.

However, Cllr Williams responded saying that the extra burden was not necessary and moved that the condition be removed and that was seconded by Cllr Keith Lewis and passed by seven votes to five.

The plans without the imposed condition were approved by a unanimous vote.