York should soon have a shiny new supermarket.
Detailed plans have been submitted for the new 1,500sq m Lidl store at Monks Cross, plus drive-thru restaurant.
It is to be built on the site of the former TK Maxx and Argos stores off Monks Cross Drive, and will create around 40 jobs.
That makes it a neighbour of the long-established Sainsbury’s, which objected unsuccessfully to Lidl’s plan to move next door.
Lidl had already won permission to build a store at Monks Cross. Now the full, detailed plans have been submitted to City of York Council.
Under the revised application, the development will include a 1,512sq m sales area; warehouse delivery area; freezer room; bakery; manager’s office; staff welfare facilities; and customer toilets.
Its car park will have 124 spaces, including six disabled and nine parent and child spaces, plus two rapid electric vehicle charing bays.
There will be a cycle rack for up to 12 bikes.
A design statement says: “The new Lidl building is a single- storey building, of contemporary design, and features a single height glazed curtain walling in grey, insulated metal cladding panels in white.
“Due to the building’s high specification, distinguished quality and contemporary design, it is considered that the proposed Lidl food store will enhance the surrounding area.”
It adds: “The proposed drive-through unit, which will be located in the north-east of the site, is slightly larger than that previously approved through the extant planning permission. The GIA will increase from 168 sqm to 242 sqm.”
The operator of the drive-thru has not yet been named.
Planning documents also describe the Lidl ‘deep discount’ model. “The majority of Lidl product lines consist of basic convenience goods sourced from Europe, with a few recognised brands sold, in addition to a limited range of fresh fruit and vegetables and also pre-packed meats and frozen food stuffs,” a statement says.
“Lidl aims to keep the shopping experience simple for its customers and operates a ‘no frills’ policy by avoiding unnecessary packaging and presentation, including a basic store fit-out, all of which contributes to keeping the cost of products low.
“Non-food items are limited to around 15-20% of floorspace in store. The non-food offer is mainly focused on household cleaning and health and beauty products.
“Lidl stores do receive a twice weekly delivery of non-food ‘specials’, which can range from garden equipment and small items of furniture to flat screen TVs. These are also sourced on a pan-European scale at competitive prices.”
You can read and comment on the plans here.