‘Popular’ Okehampton Lidl plans at risk as council officers recommend refusal

Plans for a new Lidl supermarket in Okehampton have been recommended for refusal by council planning officers, despite ‘widespread community support’.

The current proposals would see a new Lidl food store built off Exeter Road, replacing the retailer’s existing site on School Way.

According to the retailer, “more than 1,100 residents supported the plans during consultation, and over 250 people have submitted comments backing the scheme to the council”.

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However, West Devon Borough Council officers have advised that the application should be refused ahead of a meeting of the authority’s Development Management Committee next Tuesday (21 April). 

Supporters of the scheme said it would provide a larger, modern store with a wider product range, as well as a bigger car park with electric vehicle charging points and solar panels on the roof.

The proposed location on the eastern side of the town has also been highlighted as offering easier access for some residents and the potential to reduce congestion in the town centre.

The application is currently subject to a holding objection from National Highways on two technical matters, although the council’s own highways department has raised no objections.

Further work is also being carried out on groundwater monitoring and road safety.

Lidl said it believes the outstanding issues can be addressed before a final decision is made.

Suzannah Clemo, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: “Members of West Devon’s Development Management Committee can approve our plans which would secure our future in Okehampton, allow us to invest millions in the brand new store local residents deserve, and create new jobs.

“Households in Okehampton deserve more. The community has told us how much they’re looking forward to being able to access more of our great value products in a more convenient location.”

The company said its current Okehampton store, which is nearly 25 years old, no longer meets customer demand and cannot be expanded due to space constraints and a limited car park.

If approved, the new store would create around 10 additional full-time equivalent jobs, with existing staff given the option to transfer.

Residents can still comment on the application via the council’s planning portal ahead of the committee meeting.