Proposed new Roscommon Lidl 'will deliver a high quality investment'

The council is expected to make a decision on the redevelopment of the Lidl store in Roscommon Town by the end of June.

The application was received by the council yesterday and it is currently at the initial pre-validation stage. A decision on the major redevelopment is due by June 22nd. A similar planning application had previously been granted in late 2021.

The existing Lidl store has a total gross area of 1,828sqms with a net sales area of 1,286sqms. Car parking numbers are currently 119 spaces. The planning application said that, “the old store is simply not capable of being converted to a modern, energy efficient, building and deliver all the space improvements in a coherent, well-designed package”.

The company is seeking to demolish the existing discount foodstore and boundary wall at the north west of the Lanesboro Road site, and to build a replacement, single storey, discount foodstore, which will include an off-licence sales area. If granted it will have a total gross area of 2,284sqms, and a net sales area of 1,555sqms.

The proposed development will have 101 parking spaces, with dedicated electric vehicle parking and cycle parking, a trolley bay canopy, and photovoltaic panels on the roof.

As well as landscaping and all associated site works, there will also be new pedestrian access points at the north west of the site; and a minor amendment to the kerbline of the vehicle access layout.

According to the planning statement by the developments, the principle of a replacement store on the site had been accepted by the council as confirmed under the previous planning permission.

“This is a revised and updated planning application for a similar replacement store. The overall project is part of a wider investment by Lidl Ireland in their existing, older stores. This strategy seeks to replace built stock with contemporaneous stores, that are more energy efficient; have more space for customers; better customer environments; and improved staff facilities,” the statement read. “Lidl is replacing many of their older stores around the country with a more contemporary look and operation. The aim is to create a more attractive shopping environment for customers and more space for staff facilities. Whilst Planning Permission was previously granted to demolish the existing store and build a replacement, that permission was not implemented. Since that permission the business has been adapting its store designs so this development represents their latest high quality design and layout.” It concluded that the proposed store is “a marked improvement” on the current one.

“It will deliver a high quality investment to Roscommon, enhanced space for staff and customers; better pedestrian connections; and a contemporary, energy efficient design.”