A new Lidl store is set to come to Northfield town centre after an initial planning application was refused earlier this year.
The original plan received considerable support from the community and local politicians, and was recommended for approval by Birmingham City Council planning officers. However, the council’s Planning Committee members declined the application back in April this year when concerns were expressed on a number of issues, including sustainability and landscaping.
Lidl submitted an appeal to the UK Planning Inspectorate against the decision. Their appeal was upheld on Wednesday (8th October), with permission being granted for the store.
Since the initial refusal and while awaiting a decision from the Planning Inspectorate, Lidl did submit a second planning application for the site which addressed some of the issues raised by councillors on the planning committee.
It is unclear if Lidl will continue with the original plans for the store which has now been approved centrally or if they will go ahead with the second plan – the application for which is still submitted with Birmingham City Council and open for comment.
Whatever Lidl’s plans – there looks set to be a store on the site in one form or another…
Lidl have been approached for comment
B31 Voices is run by volunteers and is committed to supporting communities across south west Birmingham and surrounding by keeping them informed and engaged. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Support us by donating at www.b31.org.uk/donate. Send us local story ideas to hello@b31.org.uk
