Lidl have had their hopes dashed again in their bid to build a new store in Irvine.
The persistent supermarket giant, who were refused planning permission on appeal in January by the council's local review body, have been told by North Ayrshire Council their latest pre-application consultation will be rejected again; despite plans to alleviate the area's traffic concerns.
The supermarket, which would bring 40 jobs to the town, planned to improve the Stanecastle site with the creation of a shared pedestrian and cycle path according to its application for an environmental impact assessment screening opinion, validated last week by planning officers.
But Lidl bosses have been assured the plans which highlight the upgrades will be rejected by the council as it considers the submission is a 'repeat application.'
The now thrice rejected supermarket says it will consider the council's response.
A Lidl spokesperson said: "We requested a review of an updated plan which addressed comments made by the Planning Committee on our previous application which included additional road safety measures and footpath upgrades, however, the council have decided that the plan would not be accepted. We will consider their response."
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The council received a Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) Screening Notice earlier for the erection of a foodstore, improvements to the Stanecastle Roundabout and the creation of a shared pedestrian/cycleway path at the Manson Road underpass at Crompton Way, Irvine.
“We believe the development would not constitute a major development and would be considered to be a repeat application of the Planning Application which was refused for a foodstore on this site earlier in 2021 (ref. 19/00752/PP).”
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