Villagers Appeal to Welsh Government Over Lidl Supermarket Plans
Residents opposing Lidl's proposed supermarket have escalated their campaign by appealing to the Welsh government. The store, which received approval in 2024 from the Vale of Glamorgan council, is planned for a site at a junction separating the communities of Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.
Despite the council's approval, local residents have launched an appeal to prevent the construction of the supermarket.
Arguments Presented at Appeal Hearing
During the closing statements of the appeal on Wednesday, Sioned Davies, representing Countryside Matters, an organization opposing the development, emphasized the broader implications of the proposal. She stated that the decision would influence how Wales approaches development in rural areas.
"The proposal would cause real and acknowledged harm to the landscape and blur the distinction between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes,"
Davies further argued that the project would lead to a "clear degradation of the rural environment" and criticized its lack of accessibility by foot or bicycle, thereby failing to support the council's active transport objectives.
"The proposal is an unjustified major development in the open countryside... the benefits do not outweigh the harms,"
John Barrett, representing Filco and Co-op supermarkets, described the planned Lidl as an "out-of-centre" development that would irreversibly alter the "functional visual role of the site." He also highlighted concerns about sustainability, noting:
"The site is not in a sustainable location and would be overly reliant on the use of private motorcars."
In contrast, Gregory Jones KC, counsel for Vale of Glamorgan council, characterized the proposal as "a logical rounding off of Llantwit Major rather than an intrusion into untouched landscape." He explained that due to a dip in the terrain, much of the supermarket would not be visible from Llanmaes and disputed claims that the store would merge the two villages.
"The proposal did not erode the identities of Llantwit Major and Llanmaes as a road between them provided a strong physical separating function,"
Jones also stated that Llanmaes required a "modern discount supermarket."
Douglas Edwards KC, representing Lidl, argued that the supermarket would benefit the community by reducing the necessity to travel to towns such as Barry for shopping.
"The proposal would not cause unacceptable harm to the countryside" and had "unprecedented" support from residents,
he added.
Community Perspectives
Local residents expressed their concerns during the appeal. Gail Kirkham, aged 70 from Llanmaes, stated:
"All we're trying to do is protect the countryside."
She clarified that their opposition was not against supermarkets in general, but specifically against building one on the proposed site.
Linda Christmas, 63, voiced worries about the impact on village character and traffic:
"It will fundamentally change the nature of the village, with the amount of traffic coming in and out, driving through the village, potentially, not just from the traffic light junction.
Our concern is that we'll end up joining up with Llantwit Major."
Responding to these concerns, Rhydian Griffiths of Lidl highlighted community support for the project.
"There has been significant community support for a Lidl foodstore in this location.
This support has once again been underlined by almost 3,800 signatories to a recent petition, signed by people living in Llantwit Major and neighbouring communities such as Llanmaes, Rhoose, Cowbridge and St Athan.
It is clear that local residents recognise the benefit of having increased local shopping choice and improved access to Lidl's award-winning, discount offer."
He expressed hope that ministers would acknowledge this support when making their decision.
