Approval for a new supermarket in Bromley Cross has been welcomed by a local councillor – who says it will be a huge benefit socially for the community and help resolve parking issues.

The major plan for Lidl is set to be built on land off Darwen Road along with a total of 43 retirement apartments, and new pitches for Bromley Cross FC close to the train station.

Cllr Nadim Muslim says that one of the huge benefits will be for commuters using Bromley Cross train station.

He said: “There will be two carparks – one for Lidl and one for the train station.

“It will later be handed over to TfGM.

“It is only a short walk to the train station.

“I think the response from the public has been quite positive.

“I think it’s good news it’s been approved.

“There’s a lot of benefits to the community.

“I think the football pitches and car parks will create a sense of community and bring a social aspect to the village.”

Cllr Muslim says that following a consultation, which was extended – before the pandemic – many residents expressed interest and support for the scheme.

He also believes that this could help alleviate some of the traffic leaving Bromley Cross, with many people now having a supermarket closer, as well as the additional car parking spaces.

The plans were approved by the Planning Committee on Thursday (June 29).

The development was previously quashed by the high court after the Co-operative challenged the decision to approve it.

But last week, Bolton Councillors decided to approve the project.

The scheme will see the new store and other developments built on the site, which was once occupied by the former Hollands Nurseries site.

This will also include an associated 125 space car park, a 91-space commuter car park for Bromley Cross Railway Station.

Residents have previously raised issues around parking, with concerns that with new parking restrictions put forward, there wouldn’t be anywhere for commuters to park.

During last week’s meeting officer Helen Williams explained that the flats would help meeting the borough’s need for retirement housing.

Updates are expected to follow on a timescale for the project.

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