Lidl gets green light despite concerns

DISCOUNT retailer Lidl has been given planning permission to build a store in a green belt area just outside Ardee, Co Louth after councillors agreed to materially contravene the county development plan.

The motion was passed despite the concerns of the council’s senior planner who said it would go against Government guidelines and the council’s own strategy on retailing.

Ardee was the latest in a series of contentious planning applications submitted on behalf of the retailing chain, which along with rival Aldi has continued to beef up its presence in Ireland since it set up its first Irish store four years ago. Lidl has 40 stores around the country, more than double the number operated by Aldi. Its expansion plans have faced resistance from planners, local residents and small retailers who complain the group’s strategy of building on the outskirts of towns will be bad for town centres and local infrastructure.