New Halifax Lidl: Comments invited again on bid for new Halifax supermarket

Proposals to create a Lidl store and drive-thru coffee shop on Skircoat Road are back at a consultation stage, and people now have until July 6 to comment.

Of the residents who have had their say so far via the council’s online planning portal, 19 are in favour of the bid and nine object.

The Courier revealed the Lidl proposals for the land where the bus depot used to be last year.

The supermarket giant says the plans would create 40 new jobs and regenerate a vacant, brownfield site.

According to the planning application, the new store and coffee shop would be open between 8am and 10pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am until 4pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

Among those who have shared their views on the council’s planning portal is one person who said: “A budget supermarket is needed at this end of town. It's a pain going to Boothtown and Sowerby Bridge to access these supermarkets from this area.

"Tesco has the monopoly on this area, with large and small stores.

"I think this new budget store may reduce congestion across town, as we will have a nearby budget store and no longer have to travel. It would be nice to have one locally that we can walk to.”

Another said: “Jobs will be created and this designated brownfield development site will be improved and repurposed for the benefit of local people and other users.”

And one said: “I hope the coffee shop will be a Starbucks as I am not aware of there being one of those in and around the town centre.”

Among the concerns raised are the store's impact on traffic and road safety.

One resident wrote: “Traffic on Heath Road will be made far worse because cars will avoid the backing up on Free School Lane and also it will be the logical way people go when coming out of Lidl.”

Another said: “Skircoat Road is already a very busy route, particularly at peak times. Adding a discount food store and a drive-thru coffee outlet will inevitably increase traffic volume, congestion, and queuing in the immediate area.

"This raises genuine concerns around road safety for residents, pedestrians, and local school children, as well as general access for those living nearby.”

There are also concerns raised about litter, noise, independent traders losing out to the new supermarket and coffee shop, the visual impact for neighbouring homes and the loss of a potential site for new housing.

Lidl says although only 9.7 per cent responded to 12,500 leaflets they delivered to people living around the proposed site asking for their views, 82 per cent of those – 1,000 people – said they were in favour of the plans.

A heritage assessment submitted with the planning bid says the bus depot closed in 2024 and an application was submitted for the demolition of the majority of the depot buildings.

To have your say, search for reference number 25/01213/FUL on the planning portal on Calderdale Council’s website.