Supermarket heavy-weight Lidl has revealed its latest plans for a store in Linthorpe.
As was previously proposed, the store would still be located on the corner of Green Lane and Roman Road, on the site of the former Northern School of Art. Past plans for this site were rejected by councillors in late 2023 and the resulting appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate in autumn 2024.
Lidl said it remains committed to bringing a much-needed food store to the area and has revealed its updated plans following consultation. The discounter has redesigned its proposal, which would see a smaller store than previously put forward. The plans have not yet been registered by Middlesbrough Council, although this is expected in the near future.
The supermarket chain has been keen to point out the improved residential amenity of the new proposals, while also highlighting the amends of seven additional car parking spaces and one extra accessible space. The company has said that there will also be the introduction of an InPost locker on site. In documentation shared by the local ward councillors on social media, Lidl concludes that “many local residents” want to see a new store in Linthorpe.
The planning inspector had previously discussed design issues during the 2024 appeal process. Now, CGI images show a “bespoke design reflecting local character and heritage”. The new Lidl store includes an assortment of local building materials referencing the “picturesque rooflines and building character” of the Arts and Crafts properties nearby.
The plans are also for a smaller store than previously proposed, to create more space between the boundaries of neighbouring properties and allow for further landscaping, including additional tree planting. Pedestrian and cycle accessibility has also been improved, with new routes and links planned across the site.
Image Lidl
In a document circulated on the joint Facebook page of Linthorpe’s two Labour councillors, Lidl points out that the store building would be significantly lower and smaller than the previous college buildings that stood on the site in a past life. In this same document, the company argues that there is a lack of provision of medium-sized and larger supermarkets for a large area of Middlesbrough.
As for the improved residential amenity, the discount supermarket chain said that vehicular access from Roman Road had been shifted further from the boundary with neighbouring properties. The company adds: “The entire delivery ramp is now enclosed on all sides, further mitigating against noise from servicing activity”.
Lidl already has numerous stores in Middlesbrough and hit the headlines in recent months for their retrospective attempts to gain planning permission for lockers, which were ultimately successful. The company also recently announced their latest plans for a new store at the Marton Country Club site.
In October last year, Lidl’s appeal to the Planning Inspectorate was dismissed. In the rejection, the planning inspector said that the proposed supermarket would “create a significant obstacle for pedestrians on Green Lane” and that the “deficiencies outweigh the benefits of the scheme.” Local politicians welcomed the outcome, with one saying some of Lidl’s proposals would have caused “total havoc”.
The Planning Inspectorate’s decision came almost a year after the councillors on Middlesbrough’s planning committee unanimously rejected “controversial” plans for a store in Linthorpe.
Commenting on the latest plans for Linthorpe, David Murphy, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: “Following our previous application, we’ve listened to feedback and taken the time to revamp our proposals. There’s a huge lack of shopping provision locally with many having to drive elsewhere to do their weekly shop. We remain committed to bringing a Lidl store to this area, delivering our high quality and affordable products to residents here.
“Thank you to everyone who has continued to support us throughout. During the consultation and planning processes, thousands of you supported our proposals and we hope our new planning application will be successful so that we can deliver the new Lidl store that people want to see.”
Lidl has confirmed that the plans still feature their in-store bakery and the “iconic Middle of Lidl”. Shoppers would also have access to customer toilets with baby changing facilities. The new supermarket would be powered by solar panels on the roof and served by bicycle parking with room for trailers, sufficient car parking including dedicated accessible and parent-and-child parking bays as well as electric vehicle charging points.
The company did not respond directly to the question of whether it had any response to residents who are still against the proposals.
