A NEW discount retail store is set to open in Tadley after the multistore chain successfully appealed against the council’s decision to reject its proposal.

Discount retail chain Lidl’s appeal against West Berkshire Council has been approved by planning inspector John Longmuir, who dismissed the district council’s concerns, saying the store is a “clear local need”.

The news comes as a welcome relief for Tadley residents who have been up in arms against the council’s decision to reject the application citing concerns over its greenfield site.

The decision came as a bitter blow for Tadley residents, with many in favour of the superstore.

Reacting to the outcome of the appeal, Lidl’s regional head of property James Mitchell said the public support played a significant part in achieving the decision.

He said: “I am delighted to announce The Planning Inspectorate has allowed the appeal against refusal of our Tadley Planning Application.

“The outstanding levels of public support have no doubt played a significant part in achieving this decision. I would like to sincerely thank all the local residents who have voiced their support for our proposals and we look forward to delivering this new store for Tadley at the earliest opportunity.

“Once again many thanks and we will keep the community updated on progress.”

The original proposal was thrown out by West Berkshire councillors in July 2020 saying that approval for the site would set a precedent for future development and that the scheme went against its planning policy.

Although the Planning Inspectorate, who heard the appeal, acknowledged that the application was located on a greenfield site and the store would result in the loss of its openness, he added that the site already had an urban context because of the busy junction.

Mr Longmuir prioritised residents’ need saying there were substantial shopping trips outside Tadley by residents which was “degrading the vitality and viability of Tadley” and “undermining the sense of a self-sustaining community”.

He added that a discount supermarket was absent from the town and would encourage shoppers to go into Tadley and use other shops and services, and would give “an opportunity for shoppers to meet other local people”.