A decision on the proposed new Lidl supermarket in Ashby has been deferred after North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee members were critical of a number of issues surrounding the development.

Lidl wants to demolish Ashfield House - at the junction of Resolution Road and Nottingham Road - and build a store in between the existing Tesco and Aldi supermarkets.

At a committee meeting in Coalville yesterday evening (Tuesday), councillors highlighted problems with the increased traffic levels - in an already congested area - if the plan went ahead.

Councillors had been recommended to permit the scheme at this meeting.

But Ashby councillor Dave Bigby was told that a suggestion for a financial contribution from Lidl towards the proposed cycleway - from the new Money Hill estate to the town centre - did not need to happen as there was no obligation from the supermarket chain to provide a payment.

It was explained that it would not pass the test for a 106 agreement - an undertaking offered by a developer to ensure that certain extra works related to a development are carried out.

Cllr Bigby pointed out that Aldi and Tesco had provided sums of around £50,000 in the past and pushed for Lidl to do likewise.

He added that Lidl is encouraging people to cycle to the new store - but the means to do it is not there at the moment.

It was also suggested that Ashby town centre could lose £1million worth of business if the store was built.

Cllr John Legrys said that the nearby residents had been treated as though they were 'irrelevant' and would face an 18-month 'nightmare' if the building is demolished to make way for the store.

Cllr Ray Morris pointed out that the landscaping plan was 'rubbish' as a number of trees had been taken down so that hoardings could be erected.

He said that Lidl should be made to replace them.

The Ashfield House building would be demolished to make way for the new store. Photo: Ashby Nub News

Cllr Bigby said Ashby residents would welcome a Lidl store, but not in that position.

He added that efforts to find an alternative site as part of the Money Hill development had been a 'waste of time' - as he claimed only one of out of three possible areas had been considered.

It was unanimously agreed by councillors that a decision should be deferred to a future meeting, with Lidl being asked to consider a financial contribution and look again at the demolition procedure and landscaping.

However, it was pointed out that Lidl can demolish the building if they want to, separately from the planning application.

Ward member, Cllr Murrae Blair-Park, had already made his opposition to the scheme known - due to concerns over congestion and the siting of the planned supermarket in an area already served by grocery outlets.

He spoke at Tuesday's meeting and said: "I've lived here for 20 years, and the traffic on Nottingham Road is now at breaking point.

"There has been building, but no investment in infrastructure.

"It's a muddle of development. We have three grocery retailers plus 2,000 homes coming at Money Hill over the next few years.

"As well as that, there has been no solution to the path to the town centre from the new estate.

"Streets are at a point of gridlock. The area is out of control when it comes to traffic management.

"The applicant has made no attempt to talk with residents to provide an alternative location.

"In Beveridge Lane in Coalville, Aldi has shown it can be done in among new housing.

"They should be looking to dilute the amount of traffic. Residents will tell you it is currently ridiculous.

"Highways and Leicestershire County Council say 'no objection, no problem'.

"The addition of Lidl will exacerbate the traffic problems, with Money Hill it will be considered severe. Please seek an alternative site."

Richard Huteson, from Rapleys, the company acting as agents for Lidl during the application process, also spoke at the meeting.

He told the committee: "I am pleased the application was recommended for approval.

"Officers have said the principal for the development is considered acceptable and it would be an efficient use of previous development land.

"In this context, we have justified the loss of the offices at the site.

Image: Lidl

"The local highways team has said it is fully satisfied that the proposal is acceptable and provides a safe access position for all users.

"In regard to surrounding amenities, no objection has been raised by the Environmental Health Department which considers that no significant harm will be caused by loss of privacy, light, outlook or from noise generated by deliveries, customers or store operation.

"The impact on air quality will not be significant."

Mr Huteson also referenced an objection in March from Tesco, which would be next door to the new store.

He added: "Following a detailed view of the objection, we consider that their matters have been suitably addressed by the officer's report."

Mr Huteson said the scheme represented a significant investment from Lidl and would create 40 jobs.

He added that Lidl would provide more shopping choice for the residents of Ashby.