Lidl Withdraws Second Application for Proposed Ponteland Store

Lidl GB has withdrawn a second planning application in the space of two months for a proposed supermarket in Ponteland — but says it still intends to proceed with plans for a store in the town.

In April the grocery chain pulled its application for a 1,969 square-metre supermarket on the former Lane Nurseries site on Callerton Lane, which it has purchased. The move followed a formal objection from Waitrose, which argued the proposal lacked credibility and significantly understated the impact a new store would have on other town-centre businesses.

The original plans stated the store would provide 118 parking spaces, create around 40 full-time jobs, and increase local choice and competition. There had been 151 public comments on the County Council planning portal when the application was withdrawn — 57 in favour and 88 against.

A Lidl spokesperson said the company remained fully committed to delivering a new discount supermarket for Ponteland, and would take time to consider officer and technical feedback before submitting a fresh application.