Proposed Lidl Store off Aylesbury Road

There has been much excitement over the past few days about Lidl’s proposals for a store on the CPM site, Aylesbury Road.  Many people have noticed what looks like a planning application for a store has been submitted to the District Council. 

A small supermarket of the size and scale preferred by budget operators is supported within the latest Thame Neighbourhood Plan, TNP2.  The Town Council and residents supported this as many residents and people from our surrounding villages are having to travel to affordable supermarkets in Aylesbury and Wheatley for their daily needs.  This costs money in itself, takes up valuable time and is not in line with sustainable living. 

Lidl recently submitted a  technical ‘screening opinion’ application (P25/S2084/SCR), which asks the District Council  whether their proposal would give rise to any significant environmental impacts and as such whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required.  On the 30 July, the District Council determined that Lidl do not have to submit an EIA report alongside any subsequent full planning application.  Lidl expect to submit a full planning application later this year, which will be subject to public consultation.

A full application will consider all matters such as flood risk, traffic generation and impact on the neighbouring residents and businesses in line with national and local policy.  In addition, Lidl will have to demonstrate within a report the expected impact of their store on the viability of other shops, including those on our High Street.  They will also have to show they have tried to find other sites closer to or within the town centre, to help shoppers “link trips” to other stores.   

Lidl and TNP2 
The TNP2 allocates part of the Cattle Market site in Thame for a small supermarket and this use was supported by the residents of Thame. 
National policy requires, however, that alternative sites for town centre uses like shops must be available within a reasonable period of time.  If, by the time Lidl have submitted a planning application the Cattle Market has not identified a reasonably close date for moving to their new site in Rycote Lane, the District Council may consider national policy should override TNP2 on this matter.  The Town Council would like to make it very clear that it is not aware of any pressure being placed upon the Cattle Market to move before it is ready to do so. 

There may, therefore, be much for local residents and the Town and District Councils to consider before the year is out.  Those responsible for deciding the application will have to weigh the identifiable benefits of the proposed store against harms, including those raised by national policy or by stakeholders such as the Environment Agency.  For an application of this complexity, we would both advise residents to prepare for the long haul and request that special consideration is given to those living or working nearby, who will face much uncertainty over the coming months.
 
The Town Council will keep residents up to date on this proposal as more information becomes available.  Please bear in mind that we will not be able to express either support or objection to the scheme until the application has been considered at a Full Council meeting, which we will publicise in advance once we have a date.