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Lidl GB has withdrawn a second planning application in the space of two months for a proposed supermarket in Ponteland, but says it still intends to proceed with plans for a store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 There had been 151 public comments on the County Council planning portal when the application was withdrawn, 57 in favour and 88 against.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.