More Irvine residents have shown their support for a Lidl superstore at the town’s Stanecastle roundabout.
Lidl Action Group, fighting to overturn the council’s rejection of the store plans, are delighted with the additional 28 letters submitted to the council during lockdown.
This latest boost in public support takes the total number of residents backing calls for an Irvine Lidl store, which could bring 40 jobs to the town, to 212.
The council turned down the supermarket giant’s plans back in February.
Lidl have already submitted an appeal on the council’s decision to refuse planning permission to the local review body – putting the decision in the hands of elected members.
John Taylor from Lidl Action Group said:“We will continue to do everything in our power to bring Lidl to Stanecastle.
“We believe it would give us a foodstore in a convenient location, close to local neighbourhoods whose retail needs aren’t being properly met.
“Within a 1km radius of the proposed site, there are over 4000 local homes who would benefit hugely from having a local foodstore they can walk to. This lack of local food shopping in the area has been keenly felt during the recent lockdown.
“Lidl has been very open and transparent with the people of Irvine. They have told us that if they cannot build a new store at Stanecastle then they cannot come to Irvine at all. We believe them.
“At a time of great difficulty surely the prospect of a multi-million pound investment and 40 well paid jobs for local people would be attractive to North Ayrshire Council.”
Resident Sylvia Mallinson said:“We have been told by North Ayrshire Council that our reasons for wanting a Lidl store are not valid. Issues such as the fact the proposal would ease traffic congestion within the town centre are material considerations and should be taken into account.
“We are delighted that more representations are being made for this development. Our friends and neighbours across Irvine know that there is an immediate need for this store at Stanecastle.
“The planners have made a decision based on a Town Centre First Policy in the new Local Development Plan, but there are other material planning considerations that we have made which are not being listened to.
“Things such as the need for a local supermarket like Lidl which is within walking distance and in an area where there are no local supermarkets.
“Stanecastle Roundabout is well connected with public transport with three buses that pass over Manson Drive frequently.”
The Lidl Action Group held a public meeting in March which saw around 100 people come together at Volunteer Rooms to back the campaign.
