Major objection over Lidl and Costa Coffee plans for Bradford site

Yorkshire Water has been consulted over the scheme for a retail development on the site of the current JCT600 Accident Repair Centre on Sticker Lane in Laisterdyke.

The motor dealership lodged its multi-million-pound plans to redevelop the site last year.

The firm is seeking permission to demolish the existing building on the site to make way for the new businesses.

A Lidl store and Costa Coffee drive-through would feature in the new retail development (Image: PA)

But as part of the planning process, Bradford Council has consulted a number of organisations, and Yorkshire Water has formally objected to the layout of the scheme.

In a letter, it states: “Yorkshire Water objects to the site layout as currently shown. Prior to determination, the site layout must be amended to account for the public water supply infrastructure crossing it.”

It goes on to explain that there is an existing 18-inch diameter clean water main within the boundary of the site.

“The construction of the drive-through building is very close to, if not directly over, the water main, which is not acceptable. The main requires a stand-off distance of at least 6 metres from the centreline of the main i.e. a protected strip width of at least 12 metres, to allow our statutory access to inspect, maintain, adjust, repair or alter the main.

“We strongly recommend that the developer contacts us directly to arrange a survey to trace the main and ascertain its exact position.”

In addition, there are other water mains located to one boundary  - and it may be necessary to divert these.

Layout of plans for a Lidl and Costa Coffee on JCT600 site in Bradford (Image: JCT600)

When the application was submitted, the Telegraph & Argus reported that a spokesperson from the discount retailer said the opening of what would be its eighth store in the district would create lots more jobs in the community.

They said: "If approved, the new supermarket would provide the local community with convenient access to Lidl’s high-quality and affordable produce.

"The plans would also deliver a multi-million-pound investment and new jobs for the community which, following our second increase in hourly pay rates this year, will benefit from one of the highest pay rates in the industry.”

The plans include a 1,907 square metre Lidl food store with 128 parking spaces and a new coffee drive-through unit of 179 square metre with 29 car parking spaces.

The deadline for a decision by the Council is later this month (February).

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