Hundreds back plans for new Lidl store in Cheddar, Somerset

The major retailer submitted official plans for a new Lidl store on Upper New Road in Cheddar, which will create up to 40 new jobs with the creation of a multi-million-pound 'community foodstore'.

Under planning application reference number 17/25/00051, Lidl GB aims to provide a much-needed new and affordable shopping centre for residents in Cheddar and the surrounding areas.

The proposed supermarket development includes 126 parking spaces, covered bicycle parking, and electric vehicle charging points.

Speaking following a wave of applications for new Lidl stores last year, Richard Taylor, chief real estate officer at Lidl GB, said: “This level of investment is a clear sign of our ambition.

"As we enter our fourth decade in Great Britain and hurtle towards 1,000 stores, there are still so many parts of the country crying out for convenient access to a Lidl store.

"That’s why we welcome the measures proposed in the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill – they recognise the urgent need to remove barriers to development and support the kind of growth we at Lidl are working towards.

“New Lidl stores mean new jobs, new opportunities for British suppliers, and continued investment into local economies.”

Lidl has since opened its 1000th store in East Grinstead, Sussex.

Hundreds back plans for new Lidl store in Cheddar, Somerset

Despite the major planning application currently "under consideration", hundreds of residents within the surrounding area have submitted comments via the planning portal.

Mrs C Snook, who lives on Lower North Street, Cheddar, commented: "Cheddar really needs this store. We only have Sainsbury and a small Tesco Express and have to pay above the odds for the privilege. What with the cost of living we need a Lidl as somehow they manage to keep prices low.

"Please allow this to go ahead.

Mr T Harvey, who lives in the Cheddar area, commented: "How much longer will it be before permission is given to give the Cheddar public a decent supermarket with great prices? Let's get it built asap."

Ms A Nicholson, who lives at Hopwoods Corner, Cheddar, commented: "A local Lidl is needed.

"With its lower prices and within walking distance for most residents (avoiding the need for increasingly expensive car travel to supermarkets further afield), it would provide a cost- effective solution for most households.

"The current economic climate is causing untold difficulties for many local residents. I, myself, have been keeping abreast of the latest stages in this planning application via the public portal documentation and have received many queries from local residents as to the timescale for the potential development of the store."

Not all public comments are positive, with some people concerned over the applicant's plans for the store.

One objector claimed that the revised plans submitted in April 2026 propose a pedestrian link towards the west of the site without adequately addressing land ownership issues.

The resident said Pochard End is a privately owned road maintained by four households and argued that there was "zero opportunity" to create a new footpath or cycleway there.

They also questioned whether sufficient research had been undertaken into the feasibility of the proposed connection before it was included in the application.

Mr T Clarkson, an ecologist, also made an objection to the plans, citing environmental concerns.

Clarkson states that the application does not adequately assess impacts on the North Somerset and Mendip Bats Special Area of Conservation.

The objector claimed the development's ecological surveys, habitat assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessment were insufficient and questioned whether proposed mitigation measures could protect important bat foraging and commuting routes around the site.

They also raised concerns over habitat clearance carried out before a planning decision had been made, suggesting the council should seek further evidence that wildlife protection requirements had been met.

The ecologist concluded that "considerably more work" would be needed before the application could be considered ready for determination.

You can find out more information about the proposed Somerset store at Cheddar.newsite.lidl.co.uk and more interested parties' replies by using the Somerset Planning Portal and searching via reference number: 17/25/00051.