German supermarket chain Lidl has raised objections to Neutrik’s plans for a change of use of its Ryde factory amid fears Aldi is poised to move in.
Earlier this year, and just weeks after announcing 120 redundancies at its Cothey Way site, Neutrik submitted an application to change the use of the building to include retail. At the same time Island Echo revealed that retailer B&M is looking to open a store in Ryde, with the current Neutrik building making for a perfect home.
However, the application to vary the use of the site has now been withdrawn.
During consultation, the application saw objections raised by Lidl who felt the move was a way of securing a site in Ryde ‘by sleight of hand’. It was back in 2016 that Island Echo reported Lidl was exploring options to build on the site of Staddlestones Garage, which is right next door to Neutrik. This may explain Lidl’s seemingly random objections when it doesn’t currently have a commercial interest in Ryde with the nearest store being Shanklin.
In a letter to the Isle of Wight Council, RPS Consulting Services (RPS) on behalf of Lidl, said they believed the request to widen the use of the building was ‘merely a prelude’ to Neutrik leaving the site and selling it for redevelopment for a new retail store. They said Lidl believed there was a need for a store like itself or Aldi in the Ryde area, but was concerned if this was the way Aldi was going to secure a site in the town.
RPS said planning policy must be applied fairly and uniformly and for any large retail development that should mean addressing the sequential and impact tests, but in this instance, none had been submitted. Lidl’s representative also argued it was the wrong type of planning permission so they could not make the changes requested without opening itself up to legal challenge.
Neutrik has been contacted to find out why the application has been withdrawn but the company has said it remains focused on the ongoing consultation process with company personnel and would not make any further announcement until that was complete.
An objection to the application had also been submitted by Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council.
Aldi in Ryde… Yes Please !!!
Its nowhere near Seaview and Nettlestone and if parish council knew what their constituents wanted they’d be voting for it ,try asking residents before making decisions for us ! Bring on Aldi especially in these times, much cheaper than Tesco ,we all need it !
What Lidl really mean in their opposition is: “Damn, why didn’t we think of this first?”
Why not build one on the penny feathers site opposite staddlestones
Docter doctor, i think i am a super market, “how long have you felt this way?”
Ever since i was lidl.
Due to the Traffic crisis at McDonalds, they should move to a larger premises so Traffic does not back up the Brading Road, causing traffic delays and making it dangerous for motorists to pass.