Caister Lidl plans questioned by Highways authority

Lidl wants to replace its existing store in Caister with a new shop, as well a restaurant and coffee outlet, on land next to Yarmouth Stadium.

The application follows the current store being identified for closure due to it being too small and lacking adequate parking.

According to the proposal, all existing staff would be transferred over to the replacement supermarket, which, it has been estimated, would also create 15 additional jobs.

The site, off the Caister by-pass, for a proposed new Lidl supermarket. (Image: Google Maps)

A document submitted with the application says this closure will happen "whether or not planning permission is granted for the new store".

So far, the application has received 22 letters of support, with residents saying it will "bring jobs to the area".

"I think this is a brilliant plan to bring Caister to life again," one person said.

The bid is also facing objections, however, including one from Norfolk County Council Highways which has "some fundamental concerns".

They said a proposed toucan crossing may not be suitable for a dual carriageway, and that access to the development, as well as its internal layout, need to be revised.

Caister Parish Council is also objecting due to concerns about pedestrians crossing "a very busy dual carriageway" and inadequate parking.

Documents state that a new toucan crossing is being proposed to the north of the roundabout.

READ MORE: Bid to build 240 houses and Lidl on coast dropped over toucan crossing concerns

The new store would open at the junction between Yarmouth Road and the Caister By-Pass, with access from the adjacent roundabout.

The site is 2.6ha and currently used as overflow parking for Yarmouth Stadium, with the remainder being grassland.

Earlier this month, Norfolk County Council dropped plans to build a Lidl supermarket and 240 houses in Gorleston.