A new Lidl supermarket opening in Shinfield received a mixed reception from local residents, after plans were approved by Wokingham Borough Council. 

The discount retail chain is to open its latest store on Beke Avenue, off Hollow Lane, as part of the Shinfield West development. 

First approved in 2014, the plans allowed for the construction of 1,200 homes, a primary school, specialist housing for the elderly and a local retail centre – where the new supermarket will be located. 

A majority of residents have welcomed the development as “much needed” in the area due to the volume of houses that have been built recently.

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Nicola Watson said the Lidl will be a “fantastic addition to the village” that will offer “more shopping options locally”, as well as providing a number of local jobs. 

The application suggests the store will employ approximately 40 employees in a combination of both part-time and full-time positions. 

Mohammed Umar Gill said he supported the plan “without question” and hopes it can be built as quickly as possible.  

“There have been very limited services to go hand in hand with the houses that are being built. The new supermarket would be a big step forward for all residents, add comfort and local convenience for all plus neighbouring villages.” 

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However, a significant number have decried the construction of “another” supermarket and fear the potential impact it will have on traffic. 

A woman said the store will “attract the wrong kind of people”, as well as causing an increase in traffic and pollution. 

“We have adequate facilities for shopping in the village. A village does not need a huge supermarket. It’s not in keeping with the small leafy village we have.” 

Laura Solomon said Shinfield “doesn’t need a Lidl” as there is already a Co-Op “literally opposite”. 

“There is also a large selection of supermarkets within a 5-10 minute drive. I also don’t want to look out of my bedroom window into a dirty carpark.” 

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Other concerns were raised about “insufficient parking” being offered at the store, with the plan comprising 87 spaces – 15 less than the local guidance advises. 

However, this was deemed appropriate as the new supermarket is predicted to have a peak parking demand of 46 spaces during the weekday and 83 spaces on a Saturday, according to the accompanying transport statement. 

Lidl, which has over 10,000 stores across Europe, is looking to expand its presence in the UK. Its first GB store opened its doors in 1994, with the company now having more than 800 stores and 13 regional distribution centres across Britain – employing over 25,000 people.   

As rising inflation has meant soaring supermarket prices, Elizabeth Matthews said having the discount retailer close by will be “great for us on a budget”.