Business

New Co Down Lidl store moves steps closer after planning approval

The proposed new Lidl store will also provide a base for the Mourne Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.
The proposed new Lidl store will also provide a base for the Mourne Mourne Mountain Rescue Team. The proposed new Lidl store will also provide a base for the Mourne Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.

A NEW Lidl supermarket in Co Down has moved a step closer after outline plans were given the green light by the local council.

Lidl Northern Ireland has been granted outlined planning permission for its 39th store in Northern Ireland at a site in Newcastle.

The decision, made by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's planning committee on Wednesday night paves the way for development at Shan Slieve Drive and Bryansford Road.

The proposed new store will also provide the Mourne Mourne Mountain Rescue Team the space it needs to develop a new facility, allowing the organisation to maintain its lifesaving service in the area.

Lidl regional director, Conor Boyle welcomed the latest planning approval.

"As the fastest growing retailer in Northern Ireland Lidl has for years been looking for a new site in Newcastle to meet our ever-growing customer numbers," he said.

“Newcastle is a vibrant town offering significant growth potential and we have invested heavily in engaging with local residents and representatives on our ambitions and are delighted that our plans have been formally approved.

“As an important next step, we will continue to work alongside our specialist teams before lodging the final design plans."

Dave Goddard from Mourne Mountain Rescue Team added:

“We are hugely excited about the opportunity this new site affords us to futureproof our lifesaving services.

“This new base will give us the chance to lower our running costs and increase our capabilities to train more people from the local area who want to join the team."

With 38 stores and ambitions to expand further, Lidl Northern Ireland is officially the region’s fastest growing supermarket. The latest Kantar grocery market figures for February show Lidl increased sales by 9.1 per cent compared to 2018.

The discount supermarket also grew its share of the market from 5.5 per cent to 5.9 per cent in the same period.