Plans for a new Lidl and drive-through restaurant at Monks Cross Shopping Park are set to go before councillors for a decision.
The plans would see the former TK Maxx store off Monks Cross Drive demolished and a new Lidl and drive-thru at the north west of the site built.
The supermarket chain’s application stated its multi-million pound investment would see the vacant site brought back into use, creating up to 40 jobs.
But Sainsbury’s, which has a store to the south of the proposed site, has objected claiming there was no need for another supermarket in York.
It comes ahead of the plans’ hearing before City of York Council’s planning committee on Thursday, September 26.
The site has stood empty since TK Maxx left its unit in 2020 and relocated to one at the east of Monks Cross.
The inside of the new Lidl store would cover 2,172sqm including its sales area, a warehouse and back of house facilities.
An operator for the drive-through is yet to be named.
Traffic would access the store from the existing T-junction with Monks Cross Drive, via the Jockey Lane roundabout.
A consultation carried out on Lidl’s behalf in 2022 received 97 responses, 71 of which said they would support the development.
‘Improve consumer choice’
An assessment carried out for the application stated that the Lidl would improve consumer choice at Monks Cross and the proposed location was the best available option.
The plans stated the development would bring a new discount shopping offering to York.
They stated: “New facilities for local residents could help them save money on their groceries spending.”
Council planning officers have recommended approving the plans.
But Sainsbury’s claimed there was not enough evidence to show that the new store would not negatively affect neighbouring sites.
The company stated: “There is simply no need for another foodstore in York, and the impact from the drive-thru is unknown given that the tenant has not been disclosed.”
Huntington Parish Council has also objected stating that the existing building should be reused rather than demolished in light of the council’s climate emergency declaration.