Lidl defends plans to develop new food store in Inverness

A proposed new food store will provide local residents with “a modern, attractive and convenient retail offering”, the supermarket giant has insisted.

Lidl wants to develop a food store and up to 38 homes on a greenfield site in Sir Walter Scott Drive at Inshes.

But Asda, which has a supermarket nearby, has lodged an objection citing various reasons including the retail impact on stores including those in the city centre.

Highland Council’s development plans team has also said the proposal should not be supported after raising concerns including the potential impact of extra traffic on key transport improvements including Inshes roundabout – a notorious traffic bottleneck.

It also maintains it would be against the proposed Inner Moray Firth local development plan.

With the consultation ongoing, Lidl GB said the company was delighted that the planning process for its proposal was well under way.

“Our plans aim to revitalise a plot of land at Sir Walter Scott Drive that has long been left undeveloped,” a spokeswoman said.

“We are proud to be a long-standing investor and employer in the city and have shown our commitment through continuous enhancement of our existing store at Telford Street.

“This new development in the east of Inverness will provide a modern, attractive and convenient retail offering for local residents, as well as providing a greater choice of quality Scottish produce for the area.

“If approved, the store at Inshes would also create around 40 new jobs paying one of the industry’s highest wages, and will partner with local charities to donate surplus food through the company’s Feed It Back scheme in part partnership with Neighbourly.”

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