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Supermarket given green light after five-year planning process

Mike McBrideBBC News NI
BBC A red, yellow and blue sign that reads 'Lidl' BBC
The proposed store at Crescent Link retail park in Derry was first submitted back in 2021

A new Lidl supermarket in Londonderry has been given the green light following a planning process that has lasted more than five years.

The proposed store near Crescent Link retail park was first submitted back in 2021 and approved by Derry City and Strabane District Council in January, but the application was later called in by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in September that same year.

On Wednesday, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins issued a Notice of Opinion signalling her intention to grant planning permission, subject to a number of conditions.

Kimmins said the store will see the creation of 70 jobs during construction and 35 full and part-time jobs when it opens.

Kimmins said she had taken time to reach a "carefully balanced decision" and said that the application had received cross-party support at council level.

Kimmins said she had considered concerns around the loss of land zoned for housing, Northern Ireland's "town centre first" planning policy and maintaining confidence in the planning system.

However, she said significant weight had been given to the economic and social benefits of the development.

"In this case, I have attached significant material weight to the social and economic benefits of job creation in the Waterside area, greater shopping choices for low-income families, investment in the local community and strong support from elected representatives and community groups," Kimmins said.

"With all of this in mind, it is therefore my decision to approve the application."

PA Media Stormont Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins stands in a grand entrance hall speaking to the media. A staircase can be seen in the background. She is wearing a red jumper, and has short brown hairPA Media
Minister Liz Kimmins says she gave great consideration to the economic and social benefits of the development in recahing her decision

Earlier this year, the department apologised for delays in reaching a conclusion on the application after concerns were raised about the length of time the process was taking.

The delay had drawn criticism from several local councillors and came as Lidl announced plans to invest £31m in the north west over five years, including proposals for three new stores and more than 100 retail jobs.

A Notice of Opinion will now be issued to Derry City and Strabane District Council and the applicant before the planning approval is formally finalised.

'Ridiculously long planning process'

Welcoming the decision, Foyle SDLP assembly member Mark H. Durkan said: "After a ridiculously long planning process, the DfI minister has confirmed to me that the Lidl application for Crescent Link has been approved.

"The supermarket will be located on the vacant plot beside the Premier Inn."

DUP MLA Julie Middleton also welcomed the move, saying the Lidl development followed "what has been a long and often complex planning process".

"Many local residents will be pleased to see this application finally moving forward after a considerable period of uncertainty.

"Investment of this scale is good news for Londonderry. The new supermarket will create employment opportunities, generate economic activity and provide greater choice for consumers.

"This development represents a significant vote of confidence in the area and I look forward to seeing the project progress and deliver lasting benefits for local residents and the wider economy."