Residents object to Lidl's plan to demolish Pizza Hut and Pets at Home

The German budget retailer has unveiled plans to demolish all existing retail outlets in Westover Retail Park, off Castle Lane West and Wimborne Road, and build a supermarket. 

If approved, residents in Moordown fear existing businesses Pets at Home, Prama, Pizza Hut and Cotswold could be lost.

One man in Howard Road took issue with the number of supermarkets within a close proximity, including a Lidl in Wimborne Road a mile up the road.

CGI (Image: Lidl)

He said: “There are plenty of food shops in the immediate area and many supermarkets in all price ranges along Castle Lane, so this Lidl supermarket is unnecessary and adds no amenity. 

“The development involves the loss of a variety of retail outlets that add interest and utility to the area.”

Read more: Lidl submits plans to build new Bournemouth supermarket

Another man in Albert Road was concered about the loss of jobs should the existing retailers leave, which would only happen when their leases expire, according to Lidl. 

He said: “It would be a net loss of jobs in the local area by removing current shops and it removes socialising options from local area along with funds for a vital charity.”

Westover Retail Park (Image: Daily Echo)

Meanwhile, a man in Broadway Lane said: “The next nearest Cotswold Outdoor is in Southampton, so I would either need to drive which is bad for the planet or order online, which is bad for the high street. 

“Similarly with Pets at home, the next nearest is Branksome which means instead of walking to the store I would need to drive.”

Read more: Lidl plans could demolish Pizza Hut and Pets at Home in Bournemouth

However, not all residents objected to the supermarket, including one woman in Sturminster Road who said: “There are very few retail food shops between Kinson and Castlepoint.

“Opening this store will reduce traffic into Winton and will improve access to a good-sized food store for the residents of the surrounding area.” 

Recently opened Prama could be demolished (Image: Daily Echo)

A woman living in Strouden Avenue added: “In these times, with such a high cost of living, our town can only benefit from another branch of Lidl opening.” 

Lidl say up to 40 jobs could be created by the new supermarket and that the houses adjacent and along the boundary of the site have been taken into consideration in the design process. 

The supermarket needs to get through BCP Council’s planning application process before any work can be done.