Addressing a City of York Council planning committee meeting, a Lidl representative said demolishing the current unit will allow them to build a more modern and efficient store. B

Sainsbury’s has objected to plans to build a Lidl store stating there is “no need for another supermarket in York”. Lidl’s planning application stated its multi-million pound investment into the vacant Monks Cross site could create up to 40 jobs and “improve consumer choice”.

Plans to demolish a former Homebase and replace it with a branch of Lidl have been approved by Mid Sussex District Council.

Two objections were submitted, including from Lidl which argued an "out-of-centre retail unit may further deter people away from visiting and shopping" in the town itself. Aldi's application, which it says will create 40 jobs, will go before the planning committee for a decision on 30 September.