Plans could see former Halifax bus garage turned into Lidl
The site on Skircoat Road was recently sold off by First Bus
A supermarket giant has submitted plans to turn a former bus garage in Halifax into a new store.
Lidl Great Britain Ltd has put its proposals for the store, including a “drive-thru” coffee shop, in to Calderdale Council for the Yorkshire Rider Limited Bus Garage at Skircoat Road, Halifax.
Close to The Shay Stadium, access, car parking – 140 spaces, including those for the coffee shop – and landscaping all form part of the application alongside a 2,202 square metre store.
Recently a Calderdale councillor expressed outrage the buidlings had been sold by operator First Bus.
Coun Geraldine Carter (Con, Brighouse) said the buildings had one been the property of the old Halifax Borough Council and successor transport authority.
Lidl says the site is currently vacant and has permission for the demolition of buildings on site.
“As such, the loss of the existing use has already been established,” argues the company.
Lidl say they have consulted with the community, including delivery of 12,500 leaflets to surrounding addresses inviting people to view the proposals online and a public exhibition of its plans at The Shay Stadium.
They have also undertaken some pre-planning consultation with council planners, says the supporting statement by consultants Rapleys.
In the planning statement the company argues redevelopment of a disused site in a highly sustainable location will guarantee the regeneration of the site, creating jobs and boosting Halifax’s economy.
The site is next to the Savile Park Conservation Area, but is not in a conservation area itself, say the consultants.
It will complement other shopping offers, claims Lidl.
The supporting statement argues Lidl is not a one stop shop and sells a limited range of predominantly own brand goods, with customers visiting other stores for branded or luxury goods.
Nor does it provide a full retail offer – a limited range of comparison goods are sold and the constantly changing nature of “non-food specials”, aka “the middle aisle” ensures that any impact on other retailers is not constant and is limited, claims the company.