Lidl's plan to demolish Hereford hotel: road changes mooted

The budget supermarket chain, which already has a supermarket near Hereford County Hospital, says the new supermarket could create 40 full-time jobs.

But concerns over the A465 traffic have already been raised by Coun Ann-Marie Probert who represents neighbouring Newton Farm.

A right-hand turn lane would be added to Belmont Road, Lidl's consultants say. Picture: Rob Davies

She said Belmont Road's traffic problems could worsen if Herefordshire Council grants planning permission, but it would "be an asset" to those living south of the river.

New junction for Belmont Road Lidl?

As part of Lidl's plans, it wants to make changes to Belmont Road to help some 2,500 cars visit the proposed supermarket every day.

Transport consultants said there were "no reasons" why Herefordshire Council should turn down plans based on traffic concerns.

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Plans submitted to Herefordshire Council show the supermarket's intention for a right-turn lane so vehicles could wait to turn into the supermarket and not block Belmont Road – similar to the junction at McDonald's.

In a transport report as part of plans, Corun Transport and Highways Engineering said the exit from the site, currently home to the hotel, would be upgraded to two lanes.

New pedestrian access would also be created, if plans get the green light. Picture: Rob Davies

There would also be a two-metre "pedestrian refuge" for walkers to pause midway across the entrance and exit to the shop.

The report said this was something suggested by the county's highways team during initial talks, called pre-application discussions.

More than 100 parking spaces

There would also be a new pedestrian link from the A465 pavement into the site, with one not currently in place.

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Lidl also proposes widening the existing footpaths on the A465 and a shared cycleway and footway from Goodrich Grove to an upgraded "pedestrian refuge" in Belmont Road.

Some 118 car parking spaces would also be available at the proposed new shop, as well as bike stands.

More than 2,700 cars at Lidl on Saturdays

The consultants said the proposed Lidl supermarket and drive-thru coffee shop, for which only outline plans have been submitted, would create around 2,500 two-way trips a day.

More than 2,500 cars a day could visit the new Lidl, if it gets built

They said this could be around 2,443 during a 12-hour period on a Wednesday, and 2,752 on a Saturday.

During "traditional" weekday peaks, between 8am and 9am, there would be around 141 two-way trips, and 209 between 5pm and 6pm, they said.

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For the supermarket itself, the weekday peak would be between 2pm and 3pm with 249 two-way trips, and around 341 on a Saturday between 11am and midday.

Summing up, Corun Transport and Highways Engineering said the development "should be considered acceptable in terms of highways and transportation".

It added: "There are no reasons in highway and transportation terms why the proposed development should not be granted consent."