Could a new Lidl store be on the horizon in North Devon?

Lidl has launched a public consultation on plans for a new supermarket on land off Tinever Road, aimed at serving Braunton, Chivenor and surrounding areas.

The discount retailer said the proposals, which are being shared with residents before a planning application is submitted to North Devon Council, could create up to 40 local jobs and provide a new shopping option closer to home for households that currently travel to Barnstaple.

If approved, the store would feature Lidl’s latest design, including an in-store bakery and its Middle of Lidl range. Landscaping plans would include new tree and shrub planting to support biodiversity on the site.

Parking proposals include 117 customer spaces, two rapid electric vehicle charging bays, covered cycle parking, and designated accessible and parent-and-child bays. A revised 35-space long-stay car park would also be provided within the site and owned and managed by the local authority.

Pedestrian access would be created to link the store with a nearby bus stop, with Lidl saying this is intended to encourage more sustainable travel to and from Braunton.

Residents are being invited to share their views via a feedback survey included in a leaflet being distributed locally, or by visiting Lidl’s project website.

Suzannah Clemo, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We have been looking to bring a new Lidl food store to serve Chivenor, Braunton, and the surrounding areas for some time and are delighted to share our plans to deliver a store off Tinever Road. The new store would increase shopping choice, create new local jobs, and provide access to our award-winning and affordable products. We’d encourage as many as possible to have your say on the draft proposals as we progress a planning application.”

Lidl said the new store would allow local households to access its products without needing to travel into Barnstaple for their weekly shop.

The supermarket chain opened its first UK stores more than 30 years ago and now operates more than 1,000 locations nationwide, employing over 35,000 people across Great Britain.