New Lidl in Great Yarmouth approved despite Tesco objections

Councillors gave the green light for Lidl to demolish its store in Pasteur Road, Great Yarmouth, and build a larger premises a short distance away.

But Tesco were not too keen on the idea and argued it could lead to the harm of other retail centres in the town and pose a threat to future investment.

The former Trafalgar College will be demolished to make way for the new Lidl store (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2016)

READ MORE: Lidl looks to open larger store in town

The new store is expected to be twice as large as the existing one, which will have to cease trading before the new venture can open in Thamesfield Way.

Tesco hit back at its rival's plans, arguing the Report Impact Assessment failed to adequately address the impact the new store could have on other retail businesses in Great Yarmouth.

It raised several more issues, ranging from the lack of accessibility to the store, which will be 700m away from the nearest bus stop, and also complaints the flood risk had not been properly assessed.

But despite several letters of objection, officials and councillors decided the application should be given the green light.

READ MORE: Lidl eyes £1.3bn expansion in Norfolk

Tony Wright, chairman of the development management committee, said: "There were some objections from other merchants but the new store was deemed on balance to be a positive development for the area and it will bring more employment opportunities to the town."

READ MORE: Lidl and Tesco have legal tussle over plans for new store

This is not the first time Tesco has tried to muscle in on Lidl's plans for new stores in the county.

A legal tussle broke out over the discount chain's hopes of building a store in Downham Market, which continues to rumble on.

But together with Aldi, the German retailers continue to move at pace with their expansion plans in the region.