Lidl could replace Smyths Toys and Homesense in Salisbury

Planning documents say Smyths and Homesense will ‘vacate’ the retail park when their leases expire in January and February 2025.

The supermarket chain's multi-million pound development would feature “Lidl’s popular bakery and much-loved Middle of Lidl”. There would also be toilets with baby changing facilities and “ample parking for cars and bicycles”.

The supermarket has agreed to occupy unit one (currently Smyths) and the majority of unit two (Homesense) if planning permission is granted. The rest of unit two will be “retained as a standalone unit”.

This would create up to 50 jobs, including 40 at Lidl. The company says new starters would benefit from some of the highest pay rates in the sector.

Lidl has encouraged locals to take part in a consultation by submitting their comments via the Wiltshire Council planning portal (PL/2024/09079).

Smyths and Homesense will be vacating their units in early-2025 (Image: Urban Edge)

James Mitchell, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We’re thrilled to announce our plans for a second store in Salisbury.

“The demand for our high-quality, best-value products continues to grow, and we’re eager to make shopping even more convenient for customers, with our new store ideally located to serve residents in the north and west of Salisbury.

“Ensuring the community is involved in the planning process is vital, so we look forward to receiving valuable feedback from residents.”

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Poundland previously submitted “tentative” plans to redevelop Smyths in April 2023.

Those were approved with conditions last May, but this fresh application has been submitted in a bid to “avoid units remaining vacant”.

A design and access statement, submitted by Urban Edge Architecture on behalf of Schroders Real Estate Investment Management, says: “The redevelopment proposal will increase the size of unit one to reflect the needs of the incoming Lidl food store operator.

“Unit two will occupy the remaining space. Unit three will be unaffected by the proposals.

“As part of the reconfiguration, the entrances to the two units will also be relocated to reflect the internal changes.”

Salisbury's existing Lidl supermarket on Hatches Lane is described as “over-trading”, and the company says a new store would reduce customer journeys.

The number of car parking spaces within the planning application boundary would be reduced by five, and 10 covered cycle spaces are proposed to be added.

The deadline to make comments on the application is November 18, 2024.