The proposed Lidl in Market Deeping has been rejected as council planning chiefs eye up an Aldi application that is expected to arrive within months instead.
The plans for an out-of-town Lidl would have been a “body blow for the town centre”, one councillor claimed.
But rival budget supermarket Aldi will be ready to submit its own plans in a preferred location in the town centre instead by July.
Lidl had hoped to build on its store on land off Peterborough Road, despite pleas from town centre traders to reconsider.
South Kesteven District Council’s planning committee said they couldn’t support a store there while there was a better option which would support the town’s high street.
Lidl had attempted to cast doubt on the alternate site earlier this week, saying it would be unavailable until 2030, but the site owners say this isn’t correct.
Christina Wegulin, the asset manager for the Deepings Centre, told the meeting: “Traders are very concerned by the proposals for an out of town supermarket which would divert people away and cause damage.”
Aldi have carried out a consultation for their own Market Deeping store | Photo: Aldi
She confirmed that Aldi was very close to submitting its own plans for an area near Poundstretcher currently occupied by a petrol station.
She said it was preparing to surrender its lease, despite claims to the contrary from Lidl.
South Kesteven District councillor Judy Steven said the proposed Lidl store would be “yet another body blow for the town centre shops who have done their utmost over the difficult months and years we’ve been through.
“It would take the heartbeat out of Market Deeping. I understand people want a second supermarket, but this isn’t the right place. It would be a real let-down for traders.”
Ward councillor Ashley Baxter added: “It isn’t about which brand it is, Lidl or Aldi, but it has to be in the right place. Aldi seems very confident that they can deliver the site in the town centre, rather than on Peterborough Road.”
The proposed design for the store | Photo: Aldi
The application was also criticised for its unappealing appearance.
Councillor Virginia Moran said: “We don’t want the first thing people see when they come into the town to be a Lidl.
“This could be the thin end of the wedge – if development keeps going in that direction, how long before Market Deeping and Lagtoft join up? We value our independence.”
Representatives from Lidl said that they didn’t believe that a store would detract from high street shops and businesses, but still wanted to offer shoppers choice in difficult financial times.
They had also suggested cladding the building in stone to make it look more attractive.
However, the committee voted unanimously to reject it.
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A brand-new exhibition coming to The Collection Museum Microworld: Lincoln, invites you to explore eight digital worlds by moving, dancing, singing, and playing.
Opening on Saturday 9 July 2022, the immersive exhibition Microworld: Lincoln, is suitable for all ages. Made up of eight digital worlds – or ‘ecosystems’ – this artwork is filled with amazing colours, patterns, shapes, and artificial creatures that you can design and interact with.
This exhibition offers something for everyone; kids can explore the digital worlds with energetic interactions such as dancing, jumping, and singing. Families are invited to work together to engage with Microworld and create their own micro-stories. Programmers and creative coding experts can investigate the interacting algorithms and set the audience additional challenges.
In Microworld: Lincoln everyone becomes a digital artist, with the ability to add their own ideas and creatures using smartphones or tablets provided in the gallery.
Jenny Gleadell, exhibitions officer at The Collection Museum, said:
“This isn’t really like anything we’ve had in the gallery before. It will be fun and colourful, totally interactive and immersive, and completely unique for each person.
“We were able to preview some of the themes and ideas around the exhibition at the Lincolnshire Show last week, and there was a real buzz of excitement amongst visitors about seeing it for themselves when it opens. I’m looking forward to people’s reactions!”
An exciting programme of events and talks will invite visitors to enjoy this world-famous artwork in a variety of ways. Three, monthly, late-night openings will bring the perfect summer social to the museum, promising something for everyone to enjoy. A very special hybrid event will take place in the gallery, where the visitors will be able to virtually meet Microworld: Lincoln artists Genetic Moo.
Those who are looking for a more relaxed experience of this popular exhibition will be able visit our ‘Chilled Out’ sessions on Wednesday mornings from 9am to 10am.
Find out more about the upcoming exhibition and events by visiting www.thecollectionmuseum.com, or by following The Collection Museum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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