A new store in Middlesbrough proposed by Lidl has had cold water thrown over it by the Planning Inspectorate.

The site of the former Northern School of Art, in Linthorpe, is where the supermarket chain wanted to build a new store.

The proposed site sits on the corner of Roman Road and Green Lane and was rejected by Middlesbrough Council in 2023.

Lidl have since appealed the decision – however, on Tuesday, October 8, the Planning Inspectorate announced its response and rejected the request.

In the rejection, they said that the proposed supermarket would “create a significant obstacle for pedestrians on Green Lane” and that the “deficiencies outweigh the benefits of the scheme.”

The Planning Inspectorate, an executive agency that falls within the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, deals with planning appeals, national infrastructure planning applications, and examination of local plans. It is a separate organisation from Middlesbrough Council.

Residents have voiced strong opinions both for and against the proposed supermarket, with one person who commented on the news on Facebook saying: “This would be walking distance for me. Guess I’ll have to keep on driving miles to shop”.

Another person said it is “great news” that the appeal has been rejected as there is already too much traffic.

As reported previously, Lidl saw their plans unanimously rejected by Middlesbrough councillors in November 2023.

At last year’s meeting of Middlesbrough Council’s planning committee, all members agreed to turn down the proposal after hearing officers and residents’ concerns about road safety, layout and visual impact.

These concerns were echoed by the planning inspector, Jonathan Bore, who wrote in his decision that: “The design and siting of this particular scheme would detract from the character of the surrounding area including the Linthorpe Conservation Area and harm the living conditions of residents in Harrow Road.”

It was also noted by the inspector that “the long unbroken elevation and roofscape of this scheme would be unattractive”.

At the same time, positives were also highlighted, as Mr. Bore mentioned: “The proposal has a significant level of support, and the council does not oppose a retail scheme in principle.”

Most read: 

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £5 for 5 month for a limited time only here.

These positives were not deemed to be sufficient to agree overall with the case that Lidl put forward.

On Wednesday, Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald welcomed the decision, “I have repeatedly voiced my opposition to this scheme.

"While a supermarket facility would be a welcome addition to the local area for many people it seemed obvious to me that this particular site would be an inappropriate place for such a development for a number of reasons.”