A new Lidl store in Northern Ireland is set to be built after a five-year wait. Plans for the Lidl near Crescent Link retail park, Londonderry, were first submitted in 2021.
The proposal was approved by the local council before being called in months later by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), reports say. After years of waiting, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed she intends to grant planning permission for the supermarket. Ms Kimmins said she had reached a “carefully balanced decision” and that the build was subject to several conditions.
She added the plans had received cross-party support within the council, the BBC reports.
The store is expected to create 35 new jobs once open and 70 during its construction.
Ms Kimmins said: “In this case, I have attached significant material weight to the social and economic benefits of job creation in the Waterside area, greater shopping choices for low-income families, investment in the local community and strong support from elected representatives and community groups.
“With all of this in mind, it is therefore my decision to approve the application.”
According to the BBC, before the planning approval is officially completed, a Notice of Opinion will be given to Derry City and Strabane District Council and the applicant.
Delays to the planning process have reportedly angered some local councillors.
Foyle SDLP assembly member Mark H. Durkan welcomed the decision but said the process had been “ridiculously long”.
Lidl operates more than 40 stores across Northern Ireland and in December, announced plans to invest £31 million in the north west of the country over five years.
The German-owned retailer has more than 1,000 UK stores and in April, announced plans to open over 50 further stores in the year ahead.
Last week, the supermarket chain also opened the doors to its first pub.
The Middle Ale bar and off-licence is adjacent to the existing Lidl store in Dundonald, near Belfast.