Louth is set to get its own Tesco, Home Bargains, and Costa Drive-thru after a £20 million industrial and retail development was approved.
East Lindsey District Council’s Planning Committee formally approved the Northfields Park scheme from Bride Hall Developments (BHD Louth) during a meeting on Thursday morning.
The development will occupy a site across the A16 from Fairfield Industrial Estate and will feature ten modern units, a third of which will house the retail giants.
In a letter to the committee, Marcus Vinnicombe, property acquisitions and disposals director for Tesco Stores Ltd, noted that this new branch will be similar in size to its store in Mablethorpe and will include a Click & Collect facility, a petrol station, and a jet wash.
“We are excited to be working with the applicant, BHD Louth, to deliver these proposals, and we are pleased with the positive reception they received in both the pre-application and council consultations,” he wrote.
Representing the applicant, Marcus Allington stated that the development will provide jobs and business investment and highlighted the company’s collaboration with East Lindsey to ensure the right mix for the town.
“Tesco, Home Bargains, and Costa will provide a wider offer to the residents of Louth,” he explained, noting that many people currently travel to places such as Grimsby for better shopping options.
Lucy Turner, from Montagu Evans LLP – the agent – emphasised that the proposed retail and industrial park will create over 300 full-time employment opportunities, as well as 200 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.
She said:
“Unemployment rates in East Lindsey are higher than both the Lincolnshire and national averages.
“Our development will create job opportunities that cater to a wide range of skill levels.”
Concerns were raised by a representative from the Co-Op and Louth Town Councillor James Drake regarding the potential impact on the town centre’s vitality and viability, as the development is situated on the northern outskirts of town.
“We appreciate that this development would bring extra employment, but we believe it would reduce the footfall and viability of some of the other retail spaces in the town centre by diverting business from there,” said Cllr Drake.
He also argued that the development was not large enough to attract shoppers from outside Louth, adding, “You’re just competing locally.”
Nevertheless, the committee chose to approve the major development, with councillors Terry Taylor (Con) and Steve McMillan (Ind) proposing and seconding the motion, respectively.
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