Lidl representatives have welcomed news that their application to build a new store in Airdrie has been approved.
Supermarket officials are “delighted” with yesterday’s unanimous decision by North Lanarkshire’s planning committee – and have thanked the local community for supporting their application.
Up to 40 jobs will be created when the new store opens “in the not too distant future”; while the approved application also includes consent in principle for a drive-through restaurant and a further retail unit, to be determined in more detail at a later date.
The location for the new store is the Carlisle Road warehouse site currently occupied by Distell International and formerly Burn Stewart; the distillery is currently relocating to a new £15 million plant in East Kilbride.
Gordon Rafferty, who is Lidl’s regional head of property, told the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser: “We are delighted with the outcome of the planning committee which will allow us to deliver a new store at the distillery on Carlisle Road, and create up to 40 new jobs when open.
“With this convenient location, we are confident that our store will provide an excellent offer to many people who pass this site on a daily basis as they travel to and from work, as well as the growing local population.
“The store will provide 187 parking spaces and will increase the choice of retail offer available in the local area, particularly for those within walking and cycling distance.”
Lidl currently have five branches in North Lanarkshire, including their store at Lochrin Street in Whifflet; and the number will rise to seven with a separate application for another store in Bellshill also being approved at the same planning committee as the new Airdrie addition.
Mr Rafferty added: “We’re delighted to be expanding our footprint to Carlisle Road; I’d like to thank the local community for their continued support, and very much look forward to opening our doors in the not too distant future.”
Councillors unanimously gave the go-ahead to the proposal at their virtual meeting, agreeing with planners that there would be no adverse impact from the development either on the area concerned or on shops and trade in the town centre.
Included in the plans are proposals to widen Carlisle Road and create a new access junction south of Craigneuk Avenue, including a right-turn lane from the main road, pedestrian crossing and relocation of two nearby bus stops.
