New Lidl store planned for Norfolk/Suffolk border
The supermarket giant wants to build a new store in Harleston, near Diss
Last updated 25th Jan 2022
A new discount food shop could be built near the Norfolk/Suffolk border, creating dozens of new living-wage jobs if plans are approved.
Discount supermarket giant Lidl has submitted plans for a new store on the east of Mendham Lane in Harleston, near Diss.
The retailer had lodged plans with South Norfolk Council for a site measuring just under three acres, with a sales area of 1,256 square meters, stocking the full range of Lidl products and an in-store bakery.
Included in the plans are 132 car parking spaces, including two for electric vehicle charging, as well as roof-mounted solar panels to make the store more “environmentally efficient”.
The store would open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturdays (including Bank Holidays); and 10am to 4pm Sundays.
The company’s consultation website promises up to 40 new full-time equivalent jobs for local people, paying in line with the living wage foundation rate for “all eligible employees” and no zero-hours contracts.
The current living wage rate is £9.90 outside of London.
The Mendham Lane site has been allocated for mixed-use in the local plan – a document outlining where homes and businesses should be built – with 360 new homes and 90 extra care housing units set for the area alongside retail space.
The developers said it anticipates a planning application for the remaining development to be “submitted imminently”.
The German chain’s closest supermarket is in Attleborough, almost 20 miles away.
A planning statement, submitted on behalf of Lidl, said the plan will help improve the retail offerings for Harleston and the surrounding areas.
It said: “The centre currently accommodates a variety of town centre uses such as home stores, variety stores, hairdressers, betting shops, hairdressers, but a limited range of food stores which include a medium-size Co-op, small Londis and McColl’s stores. The centre also has a butchers and bakery.
“The proposal will improve customer choice and enhance the shopping experience for shoppers within Harleston and will provide a new shopping choice for the existing and future residents.
“The development would include highly sustainable features, such as a sustainable urban drainage system, a PV solar array and EV charging facilities.”