CONCERNS have been raised over Belmont Road traffic if plans are given the green light for a new Lidl in Hereford.
Lidl has asked Herefordshire Council if it can demolish the Three Counties Hotel and build a new supermarket with access, parking, servicing, drainage and landscaping.
It also wants outline planning permission for a drive-thru unit with associated internal access and circulation - meaning, if approved, a full planning application would need to be submitted.
RELATED NEWS:
- Lidl submits plans to demolish Hereford's Three Counties Hotel
- Reader's letter: Three Counties Hotel would make a good children's home
- Reader's letter: Three Counties Hotel sale would be disaster for Hereford
In an application form submitted to Herefordshire Council, Lidl said the planned new supermarket would employ 40 people on a full-time basis.
The planned supermarket would be open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
But Coun Ann-Marie Probert, who represents the neighbouring Newton Farm, said she was "on the fence" about the plans.
She said she would go with whatever people in her ward wanted, but raised concerns over traffic.
OTHER NEWS:
- Police search for man trying to enter Hereford homes
- New food truck pitches up in Herefordshire
- Buildings in heart of Hereford set for new lease of life
With Belmont Road regularly congested as people drive north towards the A49 Greyfriars Bridge, Coun Probert was unsure whether a new supermarket would help or hinder the problems.
Lidl would 'be an asset'
"I think Lidl is a great supermarket and will be an asset to our side of the river, the southsiders, because it's a cheap supermarket," she said.
"But I'm on the fence. I want the supermarket but I do not want the drive-thru. That would cause mayhem with the traffic.
"My concerns are the traffic coming onto Belmont Road."
She said the new supermarket could stop people travelling north to the other Lidl off Commercial Road in Brook Retail Park, a shop that has recently undergone an extension and refurbishment.
But it could also mean people coming from the A49 Ross Road then drive down the A465 Belmont Road, with the hotel site next to McDonald's.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel