Plans to open a new Lidl in Cheadle Heath are set to be rejected by Stockport council next week.

Town hall officers have recommended that councillors on the Cheadle area committee turn down the scheme at its next meeting on Tuesday 28 January.

The application was supposed to be decided in December but was pulled from the agenda before the meeting got started, with Cllr Ian Hunter saying Lidl had "shown a lack of regard for the planning system" by submitting new documents "at the last minute."

Since then, Lidl said more than 400 residents have signed an online petition urging the plans to move forward.

The application site is based at Cheadle Heath Works on Stockport Road, near Roscoes Roundabout and the M60.

The council has put forward two arguments for rejecting the scheme.

One is that the mill building could still be an attractive option for some businesses to use without being demolished, and that while a new Lidl could create 40 new jobs, the council believes the existing site has the potential for up to 100 jobs.

Stockport town hall (Image - Alasdair Perry)

The council report also stated the proposed layout of the store 'fails to provide a suitable quality appearance' or 'establish a strong sense of place' fitting for the area.

Although officers have recommended the scheme be knocked back, councillors will have the final say on the matter after a debate at the Cheadle area committee next week.

Lidl's plans for the proposed store includes a bakery in a 2,000 sqm building as well as 102 car parking spaces.

A total of 58 objections have been submitted to the council over the plans, and 35 letters in support.

Objectors raised concerns about heavy traffic congestion in the area at Roscoe's roundabout and the exit slip road off the M60.

But Nick Harvey, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said last week that the online petition in support of the plans "clearly demonstrates the need for increased local shopping choice in the area."

He added: "If approved, the store on Stockport Road would create new jobs, whilst providing locals with access to our best-value products.

"We are grateful for the support received so far, but as the final decision will be made by councillors, we encourage any residents who are yet to share their thoughts to ensure their voices are heard by showing support for the plans."

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