German supermarket chain Lidl bids to build store in Bishop's Stortford

German discount supermarket chain Lidl has applied to build a store in Bishop's Stortford.

The retailer has asked East Herts Council for planning permission for an outlet at Stansted Road, on a site currently occupied by the Gates of Stortford car dealership, which will be relocating.

The branch, if approved, will create 40 full- and part-time jobs.

The plans are for a 2,382 sq m (25,639 sq ft) store with a retail area of 1,414 sq m (15,220 sq ft).

Aimed at shoppers from St Michael's Hurst and Stortford Fields, the 1.15-hectare (2.84-acre) scheme also includes 147 car parking spaces – including 10 disabled bays and 10 parent-and-child spots – two electric vehicle charging points and six cycle stands with space for 12 bikes.

The application is Lidl's second bid to build in Bishop's Stortford. Its first plans focused on the London Road plot now occupied by its rival Aldi.

Founded as the Lidl & Schwarz Grocery Wholesale company in the 1930s, the first stores opened in 1973.

During the 1990s Lidl embarked on an expansion programme beyond its home territory, having ventured into France in 1988, and it now has outlets in nearly every country in Europe.

The first store in the UK opened in 1994. There are now more than 800 plus 13 regional distribution centres, employing over 22,000 people.

According to Whittam Cox Architects, Gates of Stortford plans to consolidate and relocate its operations. Its current three buildings would be demolished.

It is proposed that HGVs delivering to the Lidl store would use the existing access, with one to two dedicated deliveries a day and up to three at peak periods such as Christmas and Easter.

A new customer vehicular access point onto Stansted Road would be created, along with footpaths. There is a bus stop within 200m.

In a planning, retail and economic statement, Lidl told East Herts Council: "This proposal will provide a new economic use for the site, delivering investment and creating new jobs.

"Furthermore, the proposal will provide a new food store for the neighbourhoods to the north of Bishop's Stortford close to the new sustainable urban extension to the north of the town.

"It is relevant that Lidl is not currently represented in the district of East Herts and the proposal will deliver quantitative and qualitative improvements to the local retail offer."

The chain has branches in Harlow and Braintree.