Supermarket giant Lidl has unveiled new plans for a store in Ruislip after initial proposals sparked significant local opposition. The previous plans were rejected by the Hillingdon Council Planning Committee following what was described as one of the largest planning-related petitions in decades.
Revised Proposals Address Community Concerns
The retailer had sought planning permission to demolish The Orchard, a listed Ruislip pub that once served as a public house frequented by members of the 303 Squadron during World War Two. A major point of contention was the memorial Spitfire, which the Ruislip Residents Association argued would be diminished if the building were demolished. A year later, Lidl says it has carefully reviewed community feedback and updated the proposals for the former Orchard pub site.
The revised plans now feature an enhanced store design, along with a commitment to increasing green space. The supermarket has also bolstered its plans for a memorial garden to recognize the site's rich history, with additional tree retention and a dedicated seating area. The garden would be set around a Spitfire memorial, and an information board would be installed to explain the location's significance and history.
Traffic Safety Improvements
Concerns about traffic safety have also been addressed. Lidl says revisions have been made to enhance traffic and pedestrian safety, with the existing bus stop set to be relocated. Locals are once again invited to provide their comments on the new plans.
Ruislip ward councillor Peter Smallwood said he will continue to oppose the application. He stated: 'Having reviewed the revised proposals and met with Lidl, I do not believe the fundamental issues have been addressed.' He added: 'Significant concerns remain regarding traffic generation, road safety, access arrangements, environmental impacts and the effect on nearby residents. While I will review the full planning application and supporting documents carefully when they are submitted, it is particularly concerning that Lidl has yet to complete its road traffic survey.'
Smallwood emphasized: 'Given that traffic and highway safety concerns were among the principal reasons for the previous refusal, this remains a significant omission. At present, the changes appear to be little more than tinkering around the edges, rather than addressing the core concerns that led to the application being rejected last year.'
Lidl's Commitment to the Community
Joe Loydon, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: 'We have listened carefully to previous feedback and are delighted to present fresh plans for a new Lidl foodstore off Ickenham Road in Ruislip. This includes a bespoke store design that complements the local area, more green space and tree retention, and an enhanced memorial garden featuring a Spitfire memorial to recognize the site's history.'
Loydon added: 'Alongside these improvements, the new Lidl store would increase affordable shopping choice, create up to 40 new jobs and make full use of this prominent site. We encourage residents to provide feedback on the new plans.' Anyone wishing to do so can visit a dedicated consultation page on Lidl's website.
