Dozens of new jobs likely if Lidl plan approved

The new store would have 125 parking spaces, a bakery, toilets and office space

A new supermarket could bring 40 jobs to a Staffordshire town if plans are approved.

Lidl bosses want to build a store on the site of the former Bridge Cross Garages at Cannock Road in Burntwood.

The discount chain said the store represents a multi-million-pound investment in the town and would provide 125 car parking spaces, a bakery, staff welfare facilities and office space.

Before submitting the application, all local addresses were contacted for feedback and 94% of responses were supportive of the application, the firm said - but councillors and residents have raised concerns over the plan.

One, councillor Darren Ennis, said he supported the principle of the development, but raised concerns regarding highway access and safety for vehicles and pedestrians.

'Retirement town intention'

Resident Liam Perry also objected, saying Burntwood already had multiple supermarkets.

“We certainly don’t need another huge expanse of tarmac," he said.

"This Lidl would only further prove the intention for Burntwood to become a retirement town for people who can no longer afford Lichfield."

In its planning statement to Lichfield District Council, Lidl said: “The proposed development site is entirely within the defined Burntwood town centre and has previous planning history associated with a variety of retail uses."

Before delivering its full plans, the firm had submitted a screening option, which assesses whether a development should be subject to an environmental impact assessment in March.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.