Lidl confirms new supermarket will open in UK city after 5-year bid | UK | News

After a five-year wait, a new Lidl store will open in Northern Ireland. Plans for Lidl near the Crescent Link retail park in Londonderry were first submitted in 2021.

According to reports, the proposal was approved by the local council before being called in by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) months later. After years of anticipation, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that she plans to grant planning permission for the supermarket. Ms Kimmins said she had reached a “carefully balanced decision” and that construction was subject to a variety of conditions.

He added that the plans had cross-party support within the council. BBC reports.

The store is expected to create 35 new jobs when it opens and 70 during construction.

Ms Kimmins said: “In this case, I have placed significant financial weight on the social and economic benefits of creating jobs in the Waterside area, more shopping options for low-income families, investment in the local community and strong support from elected representatives and community groups.

“Considering all this, it is therefore my decision to approve the application.”

According to the BBC, a Statement of Opinion will be issued to Derry City and Strabane District Council and the applicant before planning approval is officially completed.

Delays in the planning process have reportedly angered some local councillors.

Foyle SDLP councilor Mark H. Durkan welcomed the decision but said the process was “ridiculously long”.

Lidl operates more than 40 stores in Northern Ireland and in December announced plans to invest £31 million over five years in the north-west of the country.

The German-owned retailer has more than 1,000 stores in the UK and in April announced plans to open more than 50 more next year.

Last week the supermarket chain opened the doors of its first pub.

The Middle Ale pub and off-licence is next door to the existing Lidl store in Dundonald, near Belfast.