A PLANNING application for a new Lidl store has been officially submitted.

Earlier this year, the supermarket chain launched a consultation to get people’s views on the store, which is proposed for the site of the former DW Fitness building off Haworth Lane in Yeadon.

An application has now been lodged with Leeds City Council seeking permission to demolish the existing buildings to make way for the new store.

It says: “Lidl has undertaken extensive pre-application consultation prior to the submission of the application.

“A dedicated community consultation website has been set up with detailed information about the proposals as well as the opportunity for comments to be submitted online.

“An exhibition was also held for the residents who live in the properties closest to the proposed site.

“A leaflet has also been distributed to homes in the area with a freepost return comments card to allow residents to submit written comments.”

It adds that 486 comments were received from members of the public via the online survey, along with eight emails and the “vast majority” of respondents - 85 per cent - confirmed their support for the scheme.

“There is therefore clear support amongst the community for Lidl to deliver this proposed development which will provide important improvements in accessibility to convenience goods shopping,” it says.

The application says the new Lidl store will provide a “spacious and attractive shopping environment in a convenient and accessible location”.

“The proposals include the demolition of the existing building and the development of the following: a 2,130 sqm gross internal area / 1,411 sqm net (sales) Lidl foodstore; 94 car parking spaces, including six disabled spaces, nine parent and child spaces, six staff spaces and two electric vehicle charging points; vehicular and pedestrian access from Haworth Lane; a servicing area to the western side of the store; and a co-ordinated scheme of landscaping across the site, including the retention of existing trees and planting of new trees,” it adds.

The store will result in the creation of up to 40 new jobs once it is open, alongside additional construction-related jobs, and the application says it will “enhance existing consumer choice in the area, reducing the need to travel to other food stores outside of the local area, including by car, and alleviating the pressure on the existing Aldi in Yeadon”.

Both Lidl and its German rival Aldi have seen a jump in customer demand in recent months as shoppers have sought better deals amid soaring energy bills.