Stockport will be getting a new Lidl after the supermarket triumphed in a planning battle with the council.

Permission has been granted for a new supermarket based at the derelict Cheadle Heath Works building on Stockport Road, close to a roundabout by the M60 slip road.

Plans for the store were refused in a Cheadle area committee meeting in 2025 off the back of concerns about traffic, road safety, and the impact on the 'the positive character of the local area'.

That meeting last year erupted into a heated discussion with Lidl being accused of using 'disgusting' tactics by 'delaying' a previous hearing of its plans in order to buy time to whip up local support.

A Lidl spokesperson said at the time: "After receiving significant local support, we were naturally disappointed that planning permission for a new Lidl in Cheadle Heath has been refused. We will now take the time to carefully review the feedback as we consider our next steps and look forward to keeping the community updated."

Lidl then appealed against the council's rejection with the Planning Inspectorate (PI) who ruled in the supermarket's favour.

A site visit was made by the PI in October 2025.

The report explained: 'Taking all evidence and my site observations into account, I conclude that the proposed development would not harm the character or appearance of the area.

'Whilst the scheme differs from the nearby residential grain of Stockport Road, it sits within a context that already includes substantial commercial development, large frontage parking areas, and varied building alignments.

'The proposed scheme would enhance the appearance of the site, improve landscaping and contribute positively to the street scene when compared with the existing run-down building.'

It was also noted that 'the council did not refuse the application on highways grounds, and neither the council's highway authority nor Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) objected to the proposed development.'

Cllr David Meller, who represents the Cheadle East and Cheadle Hulme North ward, said he was 'really disappointed' over the decision to allow the plans to go ahead.

He added: "In essence, the highways concerns – my primary objection to this, as indeed the one many cited – have been dismissed.

"However, from reading the judgement, it wasn't helped that the council's refusal wasn't highways related.

"Nevertheless, someone visiting the area for a brief visit isn't comprehensive and certainly ignores the traffic issues many face on Stockport Road every single day."

He added: "I suppose a consolation is the Deanprint [Cheadle Heath Works] building will finally be torn down after becoming a real eyesore, something Lidl have done little to prevent while they've owned the site."

Stockport council applied to make Lidl pay its costs for the appeal on the grounds that Lidl had 'acted unreasonably by failing to amend the scheme in line with advice given at both preapplication and application stage'.

The council's request was refused by the PI who found that Lidl 'did not act unreasonably in a way that caused the Council to incur wasted or unnecessary expense' during the appeal process.

Lidl and Stockport council were contacted for comment.

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