Plan for new Lidl divides Ledbury

Locals are divided on a plan to build a new Lidl supermarket along with a health centre and nursery on the edge of a North Herefordshire town.

So far the planning bid by the discount retailer for the outline proposal, on farmland immediately south of Ledbury where Leadon Way, the A449 Ross Road and B4216 Dymock Road meet, has drawn ten public objections but 19 submissions of support.

Lisa Carne of Much Marcle said simply: “It would be great to have another supermarket,” while nearby resident Skye Clayton said: “We really need a shop this side of town.”

Residents of nearby new housing were particularly supportive. Ann Coppin said: “Ledbury is growing at a rapid pace and another nursery and medical centre is needed.”

Tim Farley said: “There are over a thousand new homes in the vicinity who need this improvement. Please don’t let old-style council thinking block this.”

And Stephen Williams said the edge-of-town location would “keep some traffic away from the town centre”.

Among objectors, Emma Sith said: “We don’t have the doctors to support a surgery,” while David Stephenson said the “tagged on” medical centre plan was “simply a way to push the planning for a supermarket through”.

Kerry Barnett said that with an Aldi store already nearby, “it would be nice to see an alternative such as a Sainsbury’s or Marks & Spencer”.

And on behalf of Ledbury Area Cycle Forum, Bella Johnson said the site, on “an unattractive, busy traffic intersection”, would “encourage car dependency”, and that the medical centre and nursery should be located more centrally.

Comments on the planning application is officially due to close on January 27. Local ward councillor Stef Simmons has urged Ledbury residents to “have your say” by then.