Ageing Lidl supermarket in Tipton will be demolished and replaced with bigger store

Sandwell Council has approved plans by Lidl to knock down its Great Bridge supermarket and replace it with a bigger store.

The supermarket chain would build the new supermarket on a neighbouring eyesore empty plot that was once home to an MOT and van sales garage.

The supermarket’s floorspace would increase from more than 1,300 square metres to over 2,100 square metres after the rebuild.

Lidl said it would employ up to 40 staff in the new store and opening hours would remain the same.

A bigger 101-space car park has also been included in the plans submitted to Sandwell Council alongside a relocated entrance from Horseley Heath.

The supermarket would move and grow in size by approximately 500 square metres on the bigger site which also includes a 101-space car park with parent and child bays and electric charging points.

More trees would be planted on the site which Lidl says would be a “significant improvement” on the current hard surfacing and wasteland.

Lidl previously received planning permission from Sandwell Council to demolish the store in Great Bridge for one twice its size in 2018 but the work was never carried out.

A statement included with the application said: “Overall, it is considered that the proposed larger foodstore development will offer significant tangible benefits to the area, including employment opportunities; new facilities for local residents and businesses; and increased consumer choice.

“It is considered that the economic benefits of the proposed development are significant and will assist in the economic recovery of the district following the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As such, it is considered that the proposed development will forward the visions of national, regional and local planning policy.”