A global supermarket could be opening in Didcot soon as fresh plans have been unveiled which could create dozens of new jobs in the area.
Lidl has applied to open a new supermarket in Abingdon Road in the town.
The development, submitted by Martin’s Development A1 Limited, includes the demolition of the existing buildings and the construction of a self-storage unit.
The scheme is expected to bring around 60 jobs to the area and Lidl is primed to bring in a £12m investment.
The nearest Lidl’s to the proposed site are in Wallingford in Lupton Road and in Abingdon’s Marcham Road. Didcot already has an Aldi store just off Broadway.
So far, no public comments in objections or support have been submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council.
Lidl Didcot CGI (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council) In the scheme’s planning statement, it said: “The proposal seeks the redevelopment of the site for a foodstore and self storage development, including associated site external works and access improvements.
“The foodstore has proposed car parking, EV charging and cycle parking all to suit the requirements of the operator.
“The site peripherals have enhanced landscaping as well as retaining key areas of existing landscaping – particularly the tree lines to the north and east boundaries.
“To the rear of the site is the new self storage development. This has a main building immediately behind the food store and a series of smaller garage type units to the remaining area of the site.
“The layout is planned as a one way system generally with a two way system at the main entrance and exit road.”
The application includes 103 parking spaces, including five disabled spaces, nine parent and child spaces and two electric vehicle charging bays.
The planning statement added: “Local food store provision in Didcot comprises an out-of-centre Aldi 160m south of the site, beyond the railway line and an out-of-centre Tesco store to the east within Hadden Hill Retail Park.
“There is also a Sainsbury’s and M&S within Didcot town centre, a Co-Op around 900m to the north-east; and an Asda on the west side of Didcot, approximately 3km away.
“Reflecting this, the council’s evidence acknowledges there would be qualitative benefits in increasing the provision of convenience facilities and providing residents with additional options.
“The proposals will improve the distribution of food stores and address a qualitative need for improved choice – as acknowledged by South Oxfordshire District Council’s recently completed retail evidence base.
“Didcot is identified as a focus for sustainable growth, with significant expansion planned and incoming that will deliver new homes, population growth and expenditure spending.
“This scale of this growth will increase significantly under the revised standard method.
“This will increase the demand and need for further convenience retail and commercial services.”
