Decision on proposed new Middlesbrough Lidl store deferred

Emotions surrounding the store were strong, with members of the public and ward councillors speaking against the proposals, while the agent defended Lidl’s plans and views from supporters were also heard in front of a packed public gallery. A clear majority of the letters received as part of the consultation process were in support of the proposals.

Members had been recommended by council officers to accept the plans, as discussion and debate over the proposals went on for more than 75 minutes. Lidl own the site on the corner of Green Lane and Roman Road, which housed the former Northern School of Art prior to its demolition.

Andy Glossop, from the council’s planning department, described Lidl’s previous 2022 proposal “very similar” to the plans in front of members at Thursday’s meeting. The former plans were rejected for three reasons in 2023 – due to the design/layout, highways/sustainable accessibility, and amenity.

CGI of Lidl's latest proposal for Green Lane, Linthorpe. Credit: Lidl GB. Free for LDRS use.

Changes now included a reduction of the width of the store, by 10 metres, with a greater spacing between the store and properties on Harrow Road.

It was clear that the most contentious issue was the proposed closure of Thackeray Grove. Simon Thompson, from the council’s highways department, pre-emptively spoke about a “number of competing vehicle movements” at the staggered junction where Roman Road and Thackeray Grove each meet Green Lane. If plans were approved, Thackeray would be shut at the point where it meets Green Lane, with a “three-arm signal controlled junction” on the remaining Green Lane/Roman Road.

MICA Councillor Ian Morrish queried whether signalisation of the staggered junction would “negate” the need to close off Thackeray Grove. Mr Thompson responded that the “more arms” that are put into a signalised junction, the more delays there are. He added that Roman Road and Thackeray Grove would not be able to run at the same time, meaning “much more delay, much more frustration”, and longer waits for pedestrians.

Mr Thompson also walked councillors through potential highway schemes that could see vehicle point closures/a one-way system on nearby streets, which would be separate from the decision made on Thursday. Such a scheme would be funded by section 106 contributions from Lidl. Residents previously voiced safety concerns about the closure of Thackeray, specifically the impact it would have on Walton Avenue and Kingston Avenue.

Tanvir Hussain, an objector, encouraged councillors on the planning committee to “give this lunatic Lidl plan the boot for the third and final time”, following the committee’s previous refusal and the Planning Inspectorate rejecting Lidl’s appeal in autumn 2024.

During the meeting, Linthorpe ward Labour Councillor Philippa Storey said there are “serious concerns” about the materials that would be used as part of the latest store proposal, also highlighting noise and air pollution fears. She said she had found the whole process to be “incredibly depressing” and thinks the plan is “disastrous”. She acknowledged improvements in the design but said it didn’t mean much as the first application was “so bad”.

The proposed location of a new Lidl, on the former Northern School of Art site.

Planning agent Marcin Koszyczarek spoke about the potential multi-million pound investment in Linthorpe, creating new jobs and make use of a vacant brownfield site. He added that a Lidl would provide a closer food store for residents and spoke of “significant” local support. He said the building has a “bespoke design to ensure that it’s appropriate to the character of the area”, highlighting how it would be smaller than the former arts college.

During deliberations, councillors on the planning committee either could not understand why Thackeray Grove needed to be closed or expressed belief that the scheme could be achieved without the street being shut. 

Labour Councillor Julia Rostron proposed a deferral of plans until “further consideration” is given to the proposal to close Thackeray Grove – an “alternative” that is “satisfactory to both the council and the residents”. Plans to defer were agreed unanimously by all councillors on the planning committee.

Speaking after the meeting, Acklam ward Labour Councillor Luke Henman – whose ward borders the site – said: “I’m really pleased the committee chose to defer this decision to allow a proper conversation with residents to find a way of keeping Thackeray Grove open. The current proposal causes far too much disruption for residents because of diverted traffic. 

Cllr Luke Henman, who spoke against the closure of Thackeray Grove at the meeting on April 9, 2026.

“I believe there is a balance that can be struck between the need for the store and the needs of local residents. I’m hopeful that Lidl will work constructively to address those concerns and I’ll do all I can to get that balance right.”