Businesses look to take legal action over Fareham Lidl plan

BUSINESSES have stepped up the fight against a council following a supermarket planning decision that will see the loss of 70 jobs.

A group of businesses from The Apex Centre industrial estate on Newgate Lane in Fareham is seeking advice on potential legal action after Lidl was granted planning permission to demolish and extend its current store by Fareham Borough Council.

One of the firms now facing eviction is A & S Signs and Graphics Ltd.

Owner Kevin Arrowsmith is leading the fight.

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The 47-year-old said: ‘We have lost faith in our council and the businesses at the Apex Centre feel we have to take action against the council’s decision.

‘We are just collateral damage in Lidl’s globalisation and we need to take legal action against the council to try and get the application revoked.

The businesses are looking towards the Environmental Law Foundation for help.

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has previously thrown her support behind the businesses’ campaign.

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In a letter to Kevin, Ms Dinenage wrote: ‘I want to express my full support for the Apex Centre businesses following the approval of Lidl’s planning application to Fareham Borough Council which will result in your units being demolished.’

Ms Dinenage previously helped to arrange a meeting between the businesses and the Solent LEP to see if there was an alternative solution.

Ms Dinenage continued: ‘My main priority is to help safeguard your business and retain employment locally and I will of course, support you with whichever option(s) you chose to undertake.’

Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Sean Woodward said: ‘The consent has been given by the council and there is not a way of taking councils to court over a planning decision.’

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It comes after traders in Portchester precinct are concerned for their future following a Lidl supermarket being built outside the village centre.

Morris Twells, owner of Twells the Butchers, is selling his business due to reduced footfall and customer demand.

The 65-year-old said: ‘Without a shadow of a doubt Lidl being built has massively affected my business.’

Mr Twells has owned the family business for more than 20 years.

He added: ‘Every business in the precinct is feeling the pinch and Lidl just does not care.