PLANS have been unveiled for a new food retail store to be occupied by Lidl on the site of the former bus depot in Stanley, County Durham.

DPP planning, which has revealed the  plans on its website, says the proposal will "regenerate this longstanding vacant site and will enhance retail provision in Stanley as well as providing new jobs in the local area".

The firm, which has offices in Newcastle, says it will be shortly be submitting a planning application to Durham County Council and is providing residents with an opportunity to view and comment on the scheme in advance of the planning submission.

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The site is located to the north of Stanley town centre extends to 1.165 ha (2.88 acres) and was formerly occupied by Go Northern Bus Depot.

The building has been demolished, and the site has been cleared. The site is currently vacant with trees along the eastern boundary and a bridleway along the western border. The access to the site is currently taken from Chester Road (A693).

The new Lidl store will be located in the south-western portion of the site.

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Trolley bays are proposed next to the north east of the store and a surface level car park providing 118 car parking spaces will to the north and east of the store - including EV charging bays, accessible bays and parent/children bays.

Externally the store "will conform to Lidl’s latest design ethos and principles".

It is proposed that access to the store will be taken from Chester Road, to the north of the site. The existing footpath link to the west of the store will be maintained and enhanced.

Residents wishing to give feedback on the proposed development can click here or email any comments to consultation@dppukltd.com, quoting the site address in the subject heading.

Comments should be made no later than Wednesday May 4. 

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