Lidl are progressing forward with proposals for a new foodstore for Tenby.

Land off the A478, on Narberth Road at New Hedges, near the entrance to Park House Court has been earmarked for the store.

The plans are at an early stage, but would likely include:

• A new store, with a 1,334 sq m net sales area, built to the very latest specification, including modern in-store facilities like Lidl’s popular bakery, and customer toilets with baby changing facilities

• 103 parking spaces including 6 accessible and 9 parent and child bays and covered cycle parking

• Up to 40 jobs for local people including full and part-time roles, with entry-level staff receiving Lidl’s competitive £12.40 per hour starting pay

• Enhanced environmental features such as solar panels on the roof and rapid electric vehicle chargers in the parking area, as Lidl has an ongoing commitment to enhance the sustainability of its stores.

A spokesperson for the foodstore said on the proposals: “Lidl believes these plans will provide significant benefits for the community including new jobs and increased local choice for shoppers.”

“A new Lidl store at this site would increase local shopping choice and create up to 40 new jobs.

“The planning application will consider a range of matters including design, landscaping and highways.”

A public information event is being held on Wednesday, December 4 at De Valence Pavilion on Tenby’s Upper Frog Street.

Members of the public are invited to drop in to the event any time between 3 and 7pm where members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions.

Following this stage of the consultation, Lidl will prepare a formal planning application to the Local Authority.

Further details of the scheme are available on the consultation website: Lidl Tenby - Public Consultation (tenby.newsite.lidl.co.uk)

A leaflet with a freepost feedback form is also being sent to the community over the coming days.

County councillor for the ward of St Mary Out Liberty (New Hedges), Cllr Rhys Jordan, shared the news on his Facebook page, stating that even though at an early stage, the proposals could bring ‘significant benefits to our community’.

The site in question is on the gateway into the seaside town of Tenby, only a short distance away from the 15-acre Brynhir site, where Pembrokeshire County Council plan to build 125 houses.

Building for the Brynhir development is due to start next year, after updated plans were unanimously approved by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority back in September.

As usual the news of a new store being proposed for any Pembrokeshire town, divides opinion, and people have been having their say on social media.

“This is an ideal location. What a bonus not having to drive to Pembroke Dock!” said one local; although another stated: “Absolutely NO!! Car parking being used all night, early morning or night deliveries; refrigeration units running all night causing noise to residents; increase of traffic at a small junction to name a few issues.”