The council argues that the planned store could hurt independent retailers, such as the town’s greengrocer, bakery, butchers, and the popular Saturday market, far more than the 3.18% loss of trade estimated in Lidl’s own report.
Traffic Concerns Highlighted
Traffic congestion is another major concern. Councillors say Lidl’s modelling was based on traffic flows recorded during the “generally slow” month of November, which they claim gives a misleading picture of how severe congestion could be during peak summer months.
The increase in vehicles is expected to make turning right onto Castle Acre Road more difficult. The council has therefore requested that Lidl contribute to funding cycleway and pedestrian improvements on alternative routes.
Competing Supermarkets Nearby
The proposed site is located on Brocks Road, directly opposite Tesco, and within the same town that already hosts Asda and Waitrose. Lidl’s plans involve demolishing existing warehouses and constructing a single-storey supermarket with a sales area, in-store bakery, customer toilets, warehouse space, staff welfare facilities, and a cash office.
Planning History
Lidl initially submitted plans in September last year, but Breckland Council requested further details before proceeding. In November, the supermarket giant relaunched its application and secured permission to demolish the site. However, the new design plans have since faced formal objections from Swaffham Town Council.
The final decision on whether Lidl’s proposals will go ahead now rests with Breckland Council.
