CONCERNS have been raised over Belmont Road traffic if plans are given the green light for a new Lidl in Hereford.

Lidl has asked Herefordshire Council if it can demolish the Three Counties Hotel and build a new supermarket with access, parking, servicing, drainage and landscaping.

It also wants outline planning permission for a drive-thru unit with associated internal access and circulation - meaning, if approved, a full planning application would need to be submitted.

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In an application form submitted to Herefordshire Council, Lidl said the planned new supermarket would employ 40 people on a full-time basis.

The planned supermarket would be open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Hereford Times: Newton Farm councillor Ann-Marie Probert is 'on the fence' about the plans. Picture: Rob DaviesNewton Farm councillor Ann-Marie Probert is 'on the fence' about the plans. Picture: Rob Davies

But Coun Ann-Marie Probert, who represents the neighbouring Newton Farm, said she was "on the fence" about the plans.

She said she would go with whatever people in her ward wanted, but raised concerns over traffic.

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With Belmont Road regularly congested as people drive north towards the A49 Greyfriars Bridge, Coun Probert was unsure whether a new supermarket would help or hinder the problems.

Lidl would 'be an asset'

"I think Lidl is a great supermarket and will be an asset to our side of the river, the southsiders, because it's a cheap supermarket," she said.

"But I'm on the fence. I want the supermarket but I do not want the drive-thru. That would cause mayhem with the traffic.

"My concerns are the traffic coming onto Belmont Road."

Hereford Times: Traffic is often queuing down Belmont Road towards the A49 Greyfriars BridgeTraffic is often queuing down Belmont Road towards the A49 Greyfriars Bridge

She said the new supermarket could stop people travelling north to the other Lidl off Commercial Road in Brook Retail Park, a shop that has recently undergone an extension and refurbishment.

But it could also mean people coming from the A49 Ross Road then drive down the A465 Belmont Road, with the hotel site next to McDonald's.