New Lidl foodstore plans take step forward

Audenshaw could have a new Lidl by the end of the decade.

The Tameside town is set to welcome the discount supermarket after Lidl bosses revealed their intention to build a new site where The Pearl Restaurant currently resides.

Now planning permission to demolish the Manchester Road restaurant has been granted by Tameside Council, Lidl has submitted an outline application to build the new store.

Outline planning permission decides the general principles of a proposed development, which is followed before full, detailed plans are submitted.

The Indian restaurant’s lease comes to an end in 2029, after which the supermarket hopes to bulldoze the site to make way for its new store.

Lidl GB already has more than 970 stores across the UK, including some in Tameside. The closest other stores to this site would be in Ashton, Denton and Openshaw.

Lidl’s proposal reads: “Lidl GB would like to deliver a new, modern discount foodstore at The Pearl Indian restaurant site off Manchester Road in Audenshaw.

“A new Lidl foodstore at this site would increase shopping choice, provide Lidl’s affordable and high-quality products, and create up to 40 new local jobs.

“The Pearl restaurant’s lease will end in 2029. Lidl is therefore proposing an Outline planning application to agree site access, landscaping and layout.”

Last year Lidl unveiled plans to open hundreds of new stores across the country, creating thousands of new jobs. They are eyeing a number of locations across Greater Manchester.