Lidl food store at Westover Retail Park, Bournemouth

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing the retail park with a single Class E(a) food store, parking, landscaping and access works.

“Description of Proposal 1 Planning permission is sought for the ‘Redevelopment of the Westover Retail Park to provide a Class E(a) retail store with associated parking, landscaping and access works. This new scheme addresses the reasons for refusal given last year for the refused scheme. The main change is that the proposal now includes space to dedicate to the Council land for a cycle route on Castle Lane West.”

“The applicant had indicated that based on existing Lidl’s elsewhere the proposed store is likely to provide up to 40 job opportunities; • The proposed development will incorporate PV panels on its roof, as well as other sustainable design features, and the submitted energy report confirms that the proposal will far exceed the Councils 10% renewable energy requirements under policy CS2 of the Core Strategy; • The proposed use is to operate as a specific type of food store.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The triangular site lies at Castle Lane West and Wimborne Road, beside homes and existing commercial retail buildings and a restaurant.

“Phase 1 Site Investigation & Preliminary Risk Assessment • Geo-Environmental Investigation Report • Surface & Foul Water Drainage Technical Note • Energy Usage and Sustainability Statement • Ventilation and Extraction Statement 4 The applicant had previously carried out some Community Involvement for the project.”

“As can be seen from the image the site is presently occupied by commercial retail warehouse buildings falling within the former A1 retail use which is now class E with a total of 4 units (the central unit is subdivided) and a pizza hut restaurant. Access is off Wimborne Road opposite the junction with The Grove. The site is about 420m north of and outside the Moordown local shopping area. 6 Current layout of site…”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier larger food-store scheme was refused, while permission was granted to clear the site and for other retail-park works.

“Relevant Applications and Appeals: 8 Note the following table P/25/00830/PND EM Westover Retail Park Wimborne Road Bournemouth BH9 3JS Clear the site prior to proposed redevelopment. Granted 02/05/25 7-2023-1927-BT Westover Retail Park Castle Lane West Bournemouth BH9 3JS Redevelopment of retail park by erecting a foodstore (Use Class E(a) with associated access, parking, and landscaping works, involving demolition of existing 4 x units.”

“The Class A 1 retail premises shall not be used for the sale of food for consumption off the premises other than confectionery except for one unit up to a maximum floor area of 232 sq.m. gross floor area. Reason: The Local Planning Authority does not wish to consolidate this type of shopping on this site, which could prejudice the vitality and viability of nearby town centres.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways supported the scheme subject to contributions and conditions, while environmental health accepted noise measures and ecology required surveys and safeguards.

“20 Environmental Health – The Environmental Health Officer considers that the recommendations for noise mitigation as set out in the submitted noise report are acceptable. Noise mitigation conditions are recommended.”

“Junction modelling indicates site access and nearby signal-controlled junctions will operate within capacity post-development, with negligible queuing or delays. • Non-Vehicular Trip Generation & Mitigation: • Significant increase in non-car trips expected (125% on weekdays, 320% on Saturdays). • Financial contributions required for sustainable travel measures: • £50,000 for a pedestrian crossing on Wimborne Road.”

Officer report

Objections raised

Four objections and a further representation raised concerns about traffic, parking, retail need, housing, construction, environmental effects and policy compliance.

“Representations 25 Site notices were posted in the vicinity of the application site with an expiry date for consultation of 8/8/25. A press notice was published with an expiry date of 21/8/25. 26 4 letters of objection have been received: The Circle, Hillcrest Close, a retailer in Winton and Tesco setting out the following concerns: • Traffic Congestion and Road Safety • Inadequate Traffic and Pedestrian Mitigation Measures • Unresolved Cycle Infrastructure Commitment [note…”

“Housing shortfall: Only 2.1 years supply (Economic Housing Land Availability Assessment, 2024). No retail need: Retail and Leisure Needs Assessment (2021) shows no need for extra retail floorspace until 2033. Solely retail redevelopment misses opportunity to meet housing need. Lidl has successfully integrated residential units above stores elsewhere, proving feasibility. 4. Transport and Sustainability Concerns Lack of mixed-use prevents sustainable travel patterns.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The meeting heard from an objector, a supporter of the application and ward councillor Joe Salmon.

The committee vote

Members voted six in favour, one against and two abstentions; Councillor Salmon did not vote because of an earlier declaration.

“Notes: Cllr Salmon did not vote due to earlier declaration. It was clarified after the meeting that Cllr Clement voted for the application.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted in accordance with the officer recommendation and the committee addendum.

“Resolved to GRANT permission in accordance with the recommendation set out in the officer’s report, as updated by the Committee Addendum published on 18.03.26.”

Minutes