The public are getting a chance to have their say on draft plans to build a supermarket on land alongside the sports training facilities at Lambridge.
Discount supermarket group Lidl GB bought the site from Bath Rugby last October.
The club then permanently transferred the neighbouring training pitches and clubhouse to Bath RFC, securing the amateur club’s long-term future on the site, which faces onto London Road on the eastern edge of the city.
Lidl says the multi-million pound investment would increase shopping choice for residents on that side of Bath while also creating around 40 jobs.
The store, with a sales area of 1,228 sq m, would feature an in-store bakery, customer toilet with baby-changing facilities and parking for bikes, cargo bikes and cars, including rapid electric vehicle charging spaces for customers.
A ‘green’ roof with solar panels would provide renewable energy for the store while the roof’s plantation would help naturally insulate the building and aid biodiversity.
Energy-efficient air source heat pumps would also be used as an alternative to standard heating units and sensitively designed LED lighting would be installed throughout the store.
Lidl also said the development would be sensitively designed to be in keeping with the character of its surroundings, with Bath stone and natural timber cladding incorporated into the building’s facades.
Existing habitats around the site would be preserved and enhanced, with a net gain of more than 30%. In its and improve biodiversity.
There would also be extensive new tree and hedge planting.
The design was developed following initial engagement with Bath & North East Somerset Council and heritage stakeholders, including Bath Preservation Trust, Historic England and the National Trust, while it also significantly benefits from the input of the Design West review panel of local architects, Lidl said.
If its plans are approved by the council, Lidl says it would “significantly enhance” pedestrian access across the busy London Road/Gloucester Road junction with two new signalised pedestrian crossings.
Lidl GB’s regional head of property Glen Stidever said: “A huge amount of work has gone into developing these proposals for a new discount supermarket in Bath to ensure it best meets the expectations of the local community.
“To get to this stage, we have already undertaken extensive pre-application consultation. Feedback gathered from this important engagement has helped to inform every aspect of the design.”
The proposals can be viewed at the consultation website londonroadbath.newstore.lidl.co.uk and can be discussed with the development team by calling 0800 089 0361 or emailing lidllondonroadbath@new-stores.co.uk.
Information leaflets with a freepost feedback form are also being posted to more than 14,500 properties in the area.
A community consultation event is being held on Wednesday, 17 May, between 4pm and 7pm in the club buildings at Lambridge training ground for residents to speak directly with Lidl and the development team.
Lidl GB has operated in the UK since opening its first store in 1994. It now has more than 935 outlets across the country, including one in the west of Bath on Lower Bristol Road at Twerton.
