Weymouth Lidl submits extension plan

Lidl has submitted a planning request to build an extension to accommodate hi-tech new recycling facilities at its Weymouth Dorchester Road store, as well as new rapid electric vehicle charging points. The project is part of an exciting new moneysaving initiative for customers.

The proposed 69 metre-square 'modest non-sales' ancillary extension would enable Lidl to bring in contactless Deposit Return System (DRS) recycling machines. The machines reward customers with 10p off vouchers in return for undamaged empty glass or plastic bottles and aluminium cans originally bought in Lidl.

Artist impression of the proposals

The facility would be built in place of the current trolley park and would see the adjacent entrance lobby reconfigured to make room for the machines. Recycling would then be sorted and stored in the extension - if it gets the green light.

Nine parking bays would be lost from the 91-bay customer car park to make way for a new trolley storage point. Meanwhile, two new 'rapid' electric vehicle charging points are proposed - said to be capable of charging of two vehicles simultaneously in approximately 30 minutes - along with 12 bicycle storage spaces. No disability bays will be taken out of use, while one new motorcycle space will be added, along with four parent-and-child spaces.

An aerial view of the plans

The extension would be constructed using red brick panels with brown brick piers and plinth to blend in with existing building materials, and would not be visible from the road, plans say.

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A detailed transport assessment concludes that there would still be adequate customer parking at peak times if the plans go ahead.

A new trolley bay would mean the loss of several parking spaces in the car park

An agent on behalf of Lidl said: "Lidl is committed to enhancing the sustainability credentials of all of its existing stores and meeting the targets it has set for reducing the waste that stores generate. As part of this commitment, a multi-million pound investment programme is being rolled out to install recycling facilities and electric vehicle charging points at existing stores.

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"Whilst the proposals will result in a modest reduction in the number of car parking spaces serving the store, survey evidence demonstrates that the provision will be sufficient to meet operational needs."

Comments can be made via Dorset Council's website using the reference P/FUL/2021/05511.