SHOPPERS are thrilled after plans for a new discount supermarket in Oxfordshire were approved after significant public support.
The Vale of White Horse District Council’s planning committee granted permission for a class E retail store – namely a Lidl – to be built on a green field east of Grove Road, next to Elm Farm Business Park.
Lidl and GSC Estates first submitted plans about two years but they were rejected over concerns it would take up too much green space.
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A new application was submitted in February this year which planning officers had recommended to be refused due to the potential impact on Grovelands Local Centre – in particular the Co-Op store.
However, after mass public support, a unanimous decision was made last week to approve the building.
Resident Victorkilo said: “This is going to be so good for Wantage and Grove - I hope it’s the start of a better future for the area; raising the living standard, reducing emissions in vale of white horse from unnecessary fossil fuel car miles and an uplift of forty jobs.
“That’s potentially forty families gaining meaningful employment from an ethical, sustainable and environmentally conscious affordable grocery store.
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“The core things are; healthy competition will increase to improve and eradicate the monopolies the other stores had; we will have choice and stock to meet demand in the area; and there will be an affordable grocery option open every day for everyone - I cannot contain my happiness and relief on this.”
Resident Annette Saunders-Bink added: “I'm so happy that this store has been approved. I can't wait to be able to do my first shop in there.”
District councilllor Ben Mabbett, who represents Grove North, said: “An absolutely massive thank you to the amazing number of people that have been in touch with us councillors and committee members over the past couple of weeks, and the big group of people that turned up to show their support.
“Only because of the action of the community and the strength of feeling we have displayed has the right result got through.
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“One of my favourite sayings is, ‘Decisions are made by those who show up’. The people of Wantage and Grove have shown up and achieved something together that will massively benefit the place we all call home and make our community an even better place to live.”
A lot of residents extended their thanks to Andrew Holding, who founded the Lidl Wantage and Grove Supporters (WAGS) group where a lot of mass support for the plans originated.
Mr Holding spoke at the planning meeting on behalf of the group urging councillors to approve plans.
Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, Jason Buckley, said: “We have long been committed to bringing a Lidl store to Wantage and Grove, and are therefore delighted with the decision.
"We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who came out in support at the committee meeting and who have continued to support our plans.
"Not only will a new store provide residents with access to Lidl’s high quality and affordable produce, it will provide significant investment in the local area along with the creation of new jobs for the community.
"We now look forward to starting construction, and updating the local community further in due course.”
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Read more from this author
This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.
Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland
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