A DERELICT eyesore in Ashton-in-Makerfield is set to be turned into a Lidl.

Plans for the new food store and parking for 77 cars has been approved for a site on Princess Road by Wigan Council recently.

The new store, scheduled to arrive by December, would bring 40 new full-time jobs to the area.

Concerns were raised about the new store initially regarding congestion but the chain promised to upgrade local infrastructure. The area has been out of use for decades so this development will put the space into economic use.

“As Ashton-in- Makerfield councillor, alongside councillors Jenny Bullen and Anthony Sykes, I was pleased to hear planning permission was granted for Lidl to build a store in Ashton town centre,” Cllr Danny Fletcher said.

“The site itself has been a derelict eyesore for nearly 40 years, with numerous attempts at developing the site falling by the waste side.

“However, concerns have been raised about congestion in the area, which I have raised with Lidl and Wigan Council. During my communication with Lidl representatives, we managed to secure their commitment to upgrade play equipment at one of our local Ashton parks. 

“Which is long overdue in some areas of Ashton. Overall, residents have expressed support for the Lidl proposal. 

“In a recent Facebook poll, residents voted overwhelmingly in favour for Lidl to build on the derelict site, 609 to 131. Also an important factor is that no greenspace or greenbelt will be impacted in this proposal.”

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This new development is part of a long-term goal for the supermarket group. According to their planning statement, Lidl invested £1.5 billion in its UK expansion drive between 2017-2019, and are committing to investing a further £1.3 billion in 2021 and 2022. 

They are in the process of delivering around 60 new stores across the UK helping them to achieve their goal of 1000 stores by 2023.

“The application site comprises a vacant brownfield site within Ashton-in-Makerfield Town Centre,” the planning statement said. “The principle of retail development in this location should therefore be supported.

“The redevelopment of the site to create a Lidl foodstore will guarantee the regeneration of the site and also provide around 40 new jobs, significantly boosting the economy of the local area.

“The proposed development has been designed to be sympathetic to its locality ensuring that the amenities of existing residents in the surrounding area are protected.”