Proposals for Lidl supermarket and drive-through Tim Hortons coffee shop in Llanelli rejected by planners

The plans for the new Lidl supermarket by developer Arbenigol Limited were for a site at Parc Trostre in Llanelli, adjacent to the existing B&Q DIY chain.

The 1.8 hectare plot incorporated the former Carmarthenshire Council owned Ty’r Nant office complex.

Lidl initially revealed plans to open, what would have been their second Llanelli supermarket, back in March 2021.

A drive-through Tim Hortons coffee shop was planned for the car park of the Lidl store. The Canadian coffee chain currently has only 3 outlets in Wales, with one recently opening in Swansea Enterprise Park at Llansamlet.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) however voiced concerns about flooding and water voles at the site. Planners also warned that there was no demonstrable need for the new food store and expressed concerns of the impact to Llanelli town centre that the development would have.

Carmarthenshire Council’s highways department also expressed concerns around access to the proposed supermarket, particularly the effect it would have on customers using the Tesco petrol station opposite, increasing the potential danger for motorists.

Rival budget supermarket Aldi recently opened their own new supermarket – their second in Llanelli – at a nearby site just off Trostre roundabout.

Developer Arbenigol Limited can appeal the council’s decision if it wishes.

(Lead image: Google Maps)