A RALLYING call has been made by the former Mayor of Ledbury for people to have their say on attempts by Lidl to revive plans to bring a store to the town.

Cllr Philip Howells spoke after a consultation was launched on Lidl's third attempt to build a store in Ledbury.

The mooted development is expected to create around 40 new jobs, with around 80 per cent of them being filled locally. 

Previous plans have been knocked back, but Lidl UK said it believes the case for this development has grown further in recent years. 

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If greenlit, the development would also feature a nursery, medical centre, accessible parking, a connecting footpath and rapid electric vehicle chargers. 

The site is on the south of Ledbury, located south of the roundabout between Leadon Way and Dymock Road.

The location, according to Lidl UK, will help more people travel to the shops, nursery or medical centre by bus or bike as it is near the town's road network and several bus stops. 

Following the public consultation, a planning application will be submitted to Herefordshire council. 

An online survey has been launched and a public drop-in consultation will take place between 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday, June 25 at Burgage Hall on Church Lane. 

A previous attempt to gain permission to develop the site was refused in early 2021, partly because of the feared impact the store would have on the town centre – a position backed by the town council.

Lidl’s planning appeal against the refusal was dismissed in September 2022.

Following this, the firm said it has undertaken further work to build its case for this mixed-use development, including 'further independent retail assessments.'

Cllr Howells, from Ledbury town council, told the Reporter: "This is the third time they have asked for this development, it will need to be something people can agree is good for Ledbury. 

"We don't know the full details yet so it's not possible to comment on whether this will be good or not, but it gives people all the more reason to express their views and influence what kind of application is submitted."