Plans lodged to demolish former North Hykeham restaurant for third Lidl

Plans for a new two-storey Lidl supermarket on the site of the former Ocean Chinese Restaurant and surrounding houses in North Hykeham have been published.

The proposal to demolish the restaurant, and three surrounding homes off Newark Road, would create a 3,867 sqm food store and around 113 parking spaces.

Artist impression: John Roberts Architects

An access road would be created from Newark Road into the car park and a section of Newark Road would also be widened to create a right-turn lane for traffic from the north.

Design proposals from the supermarket outline: “The proposed foodstore would not have an adverse impact on the health of existing centres and would cater for local needs.”

Lincoln firm John Roberts Architects are behind the designs, which are said to be contemporary, with a “clean, modern experience”.

Proposed Elevations. Artist impression: John Roberts Architects.

It’s hoped that the scheme would create up to 40 new jobs and will be the third Lidl store in the city.

As previously reported, a consultation was launched with surrounding residents.

Many attending an evening event in the town and some lodged comments which will be considered at a planning meeting with North Kesteven District Council.

Objections

The scheme has attracted objections from some, with concerns of additional traffic in the area, artificial lighting and the effect it will have on surrounding homes.

One local resident said: “I am concerned at the increased traffic that this development will bring. This section of Newark Road is already always gridlocked from 3.00pm until approximately 6.30pm on weekdays and practically all day at a weekend until 6.00pm.

“North Hykeham does not need another supermarket. Within a mile radius of the site is an Asda, two Co-ops, Spar, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Netto, Aldi and small grocers such as McColls.”

Another resident aded: “I believe the site is more appropriate for the development of housing for the local community and not a retail outlet of this magnitude.

“I also note that Lidl are proposing to knock down residential houses to make the plot larger.”