A CHARD town councillor has spoken out after it took nearly a year for Lidl's Chard plans to get the thumbs up.

Planning permission was applied for back in September of last year, with the German supermarket chain hoping to take over disused industrial units on Tapstone Road.

Around 11 months later, South Somerset District Council has granted permission for the store to be built.

The new store will create up to 40 new jobs, with staff from the existing store on Boden Street being transferred across, and have enough parking for 114 vehicles.

The retailer confirmed in October 2017 that its existing store would close if the plans were approved, and stated in November that the site would be taken over by a “non-food retailer” who has “had an interest in Chard for some time.”

Dave Bulmer is a Chard town councillor and the ward member for this application.

He said: "A considerable amount of work was undertaken over the last year with regards to retail impact assessment, highway impact, and marketing of the existing Brecknell Willis building, all this evidence needed to be considered prior to any permission being given.

"There was also evidence from the applicant who were required to undertake a sequential test of sites closer to the town centre, this included their existing site in Boden Street.

"It was clear from the evidence provided that there are no alternative sites available that are practical in terms of size that are closer to the town centre.

"I believe that we should also welcome the fact that the new store will offer a far greater shopping opportunity for shoppers compared to the existing store, this will be realised once the store is up and running.

"I also sincerely believe as Lidl have control of the existing store they are in a strong position to move the existing store onto an alternative business which will have a great benefit to shoppers and the town centre.

"Securing existing jobs and creation of a number of new jobs should also be welcomed as a positive for our town.

"There are also additional benefits to the parking arrangements which will encourage shoppers to visit Chard Town Centre."