Lidl looks to expand in Clare as permission is sought to build new store

Discount retailer Lidl has announced plans to open a new store on the outskirts of Ennistymon in north Clare.

The company has submitted an application for permission to build the new store on lands at Lahinch Road in the townland of Deerpark West

According to planning documents lodged with the local authority, the proposed development will consist of a two-storey discount foodstore, comprising a gross floor area of more than 2,200 square metres.

The premises, which will include an off-licence, will comprise a net retail area of almost 1,500 square metres.

In its application, Lidl says there will be a total of 87 car parking spaces with a vehicular entrance located at Lahinch Road.

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If approved, there will be two electric vehicle bays and eight spaces for bicycles.

The proposed development also includes the installation of roof-mounted solar panels, an ESB substation,  a trolley bay, a loading bay, two internally mounted illuminated signs and one totempole-mounted external sign.

According to the local authority, the planning application was received on January 3 and is currently at 'pre-validation' stage.

Submissions can be made up to February 6 and a decision is due to be made by February 27.