First objections to Lidl's bid to demolish Hereford hotel

Those plans were submitted to Herefordshire Council earlier this week as the budget supermarket chain seeks planning permission.

If given the go-ahead, the hotel would be demolished and replaced with a Lidl, with a right-turn lane added to Belmont Road to deal with around 2,500 two-way car trips every day.

Those living in the area could have easier access to a supermarket but would also have to deal with an increase in traffic on Belmont Road.

RELATED NEWS:

• Three Counties Hotel: all the places in Hereford Lidl looked at
• Lidl submits plans to demolish Hereford's Three Counties Hotel
• What we know so far as Lidl plans to demolish Hereford's Three Counties hotel
• Lidl's plan to demolish Hereford hotel: road changes mooted

Two local residents have already objected to plans.

Stephen Watson said as there is a Tesco supermarket in the area it would be unnecessary for another to be built.

He also shared concerns about the extra traffic onto the already busy road.

“Some days it can take over an hour to get into Hereford,” he said.

Mr Watson said it will also add extra traffic to the junction by McDonald’s in Belmont Road, that he claims already causes accidents.

He is also said that it would take away the only licensed premises in the area.

The next closest is The Broadleys pub in Ross Road just over from Belmont Road.

OTHER NEWS:

• When revamped Tesco petrol station in Hereford will reopen
• Herefordshire dad tells of the day they saved his life
• New food truck pitches up in Herefordshire

If the plans do go ahead, he hopes for a better road system so drivers would not have to queue.

But plans from Lidl show Belmont Road’s footpaths will be widened and cycle paths will be added.

Another local Peter Wiltshire said there is already enough shops in Belmont Road, with Tesco, Asda, McColl’s, and Hinton Service Station already in the area.

“Adding a fourth supermarket to a road that has some of the worst congestion would only makes things worse for the city and surrounding environment,” he said.

He also shared his concerns over the already existing fast-food restaurants in the area, such as McDonald’s and Subway.

“There are already two fast food establishments along the same road which do not help with the congestion and there was a serious accident outside the one earlier this week,” he said.