Trust to sell former hospital site for Lidl and affordable housing

A new multi-million pound Lidl store on the site of a former hospital, which would create 40 new jobs in Spalding, is expected to be given the go-ahead by councillors in South Holland.

The proposal would see the supermarket built on the former Welland Hospital site, Holbeach Road, following a joint application between Lidl UK and United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust ULHT.

A further application from ULHT for 36 affordable homes on the site will also be heard by councillors and is recommended for approval.

The trust said the sale of the former hospital site will be reinvested into local health services.

Claire Hall, ULHT’s Associate Director of Strategic Business Planning said: “Local residents have been keen to see us sell or redevelop this land for some time now.

“The former Welland Hospital site will be sold for redevelopment for retail and affordable housing.

“The monies will be re invested into ULHT healthcare developments such as fire improvement works and new MRI equipment to help us further improve the quality of care we can provide.”

Plans for the Lidl store include state-of-the-art customer facilities such as an in-store bakery, longer-style tills with dual packing, customer toilets and baby changing.

The site would also include 148 car parking spaces and access from Holbeach Road.

The former Welland Hospital site in Spalding.

Councillors on South Holland District Council will discuss the plans on July 25.

Planning officers at the authority have recommended that the store be approved.

Colin Rimmer, Lidl Regional Head of Property, said that the proposals have received a good response.

He said: “We have received an incredible amount of support from the local community and are delighted to announce that we have submitted a planning application with South Holland District Council.

“If granted this would mark a multi-million pound investment in the area, and the creation of new jobs when the store opens. We look forward to receiving the decision in due course.”

John Hayes

But local MP, John Hayes, said in a letter to the local authority that, if given permission, the supermarket would have an impact on local traders.

“I do not believe we need another supermarket in Spalding,” he said.

“Spalding is already more than adequately served by a variety of supermarkets offering a wide choice of goods and services.

“Aldi is also expanding its current store and Lidl does have a presence in the town.

“I am concerned that this new store would have a severe detrimental impact on local independent traders and could result in some of them being forced to close.”