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Supermarket and GP clinic a step closer in new town

Emma HowgegoCambridgeshire political reporter
News imageLidl An artist's impression of the new store. It shows a grey road, with a wide turning into a car park and a brown building. There is lots of greenery around the edge.Lidl
The new store will be at the northern edge of the town, off Station Road

A new town's first supermarket has been granted planning permission, despite objections from a water company.

Lidl plans to open the store on Station Road in Northstowe, Cambridgeshire, however Anglian Water said a nearby Water Recycling Centre (WRC) 'lacks the capacity' to accommodate more useage.

Planning documents show only two residents objected to the plans, with 37 supporting it.

The decision comes at the same time South Cambridgeshire District Council submitted a planning application for a new town hub, which will include a GP surgery, library and cafe.

News imageSouth Cambridgeshire District Council An artists impression of a four storey brown building. It is surrounded by tall trees and a paved pedestrian area. A number of people are walking, standing and sitting in the area. South Cambridgeshire District Council
The town hub will include a GP surgery, library and cafe

Lidl submitted a planning application in June and permission was granted on 27 August.

Andrew Hodgkinson, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB said the company was 'delighted' at the decision.

He said: "This new store represents a significant investment in the area, creating around 40 new jobs for local people."

Anglian Water had objected to the proposed development on the grounds that the nearby Uttons Drose WRC could not accommodate the additional flow.

It said the site would be unsustainable due to the associated environmental risk and the increased discharge rates, which could lead to a deterioration in water quality.

News imageEmma Howgego/BBC A large white stone has the words 'Northstowe' written on it in dark shiny letters. To the right are some flag poles with flags and some new buildings in the background. Emma Howgego/BBC
Northstowe will eventually be home to around 26,000 people

South Cambridgeshire District Council has also confirmed a smaller convenience store, Morrisons Daily, will open in one of its buildings.

The application for the new town hub, between High Street and Town Plaza, includes space for a GP surgery, a pharmacy, library and cafe.

The new building will be called 'Wayfinder' as there was once a historic trig point on the site.

Natalie Warren-Green, a district councillor for Northstowe said the hub will "provide a welcoming place where people can access healthcare, support, learning opportunities and community activities closer to home."

She added it "has the potential to become a real focal point for the community."

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