Residents passing the Lidl construction site on Oxford Road will have noticed the steady pace of construction in recent months, with the main framework now in place, signage up and road and landscaping works underway.
Wiltshire Council has now part-discharged several of the planning conditions that were holding up the latter stages of the build. These are the technical sign-offs developers need before work can move into its final phase.
Lidl has also submitted a request for a handful of small tweaks to the layout, including slightly wider aisles inside the store and a reduction in parking spaces - from the 130 originally approved down to 122. The application is still under consideration, with a decision expected by 1st December.
Although these changes are modest, they’re the sort of details that matter to local shoppers who’ve been waiting years for the discount retailer to return to Calne. The project has faced a long planning journey, with objections, most notably from Tesco which delayed progress until approval was finally granted earlier this year.
The development will include ten employment units, car parking, an in-store bakery, electric vehicle charging points and solar panels.
Glen Stidever, Lidl GB’s regional head of property, said earlier in the year that he was grateful for the “incredible” support from the community throughout the drawn-out process.
He added: “We know the delays have been frustrating, but we hope we can now move forward and bring our plans to life.”
Meanwhile, job interviews have already been taking place to fill the many vacancies the store is bringing to the town.
A spokesperson for Lidl told us: "Work on our new Calne store is progressing well and we’re currently on track to open next Spring. Whilst it is too early to confirm exact timings, we’ll be sure to share any relevant updates as and when they become available."
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