Lidl plans to relocate in Dereham to go before Breckland

Plans to move the town’s branch from Kingston Road and transform the former Busseys car dealership site in Yaxham Road, Dereham, into a new store were first touted back in April 2022 after the business closed its doors.

Breckland Council has now confirmed the plans for the supermarket to relocate will be decided by April 30, bringing an end to the two-year saga.

A spokeswoman for Breckland said: “The council are currently consulting with Norfolk County Council as Highway Authority on this matter.

The former Busseys in Dereham (Image: Newsquest)

“We currently intend to present the application at the planning committee in April, subject to any comments received by the Highway Authority.”

The German supermarket chain’s plan was recommended to go ahead by Breckland's planning officer in June 2023, and councillors were due to consider it - but the application was withdrawn from the planning committee meeting at the last moment.

The Lidl plans are set to go before Breckland's Planning Committee in April (Image: Archant © 2013)

The plans went back to the drawing board after concerns were raised over access to the site and the possible impact of traffic after more than 120 people and groups including Dereham Town Council submitted objections to the scheme.

Breckland councillor Alison Webb had been among the chorus of objectors to the plans, and when they were pulled from the planning meeting, said: “Common sense has prevailed.”

A spokesman for Lidl said last month: “We’re continuing to progress with plans to bring a new Lidl store to Dereham and look forward to updating the local community when we’re in a position to do so.”

As people wait for a conclusion, social media groups have been abuzz with speculation over Lidl's plans.