Lidl is set to bring a new supermarket to Gloucestershire with a planning application submitted to transform a vacant industrial site off the M5. The proposed store would be located in Ashchurch Business Park, near the forthcoming Cotswolds Designer Outlet, which is scheduled to open on July 16.
The site was previously home to MOOG Aircraft Group’s light industrial unit, vacated in 2024. Lidl has long aimed to establish a presence in the Tewkesbury and Ashchurch area, driven by recent and anticipated growth that creates demand for a discount foodstore east of the town and M5.
According to planning documents submitted to Tewkesbury Borough Council by Carney Sweeny Planning, Lidl highlights the area’s limited discount grocery options. The nearest Aldi is approximately 2km southwest on Gloucester Road, while the closest Lidl store is about 5km southeast in Bishop’s Cleeve. The proposal utilizes a brownfield location within an established commercial zone.
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If the development gains approval, the existing building will be demolished to make way for a single-storey Lidl supermarket featuring dedicated parking and landscaping. Store hours would likely follow Lidl’s typical schedule: 7am to 10pm Monday through Saturday and bank holidays, with limited hours on Sundays.
Lidl’s business model focuses on a streamlined product range of around 3,000 items, allowing flexibility to expand to 4,000. Unlike larger supermarkets such as Tesco or Sainsbury’s, which offer over 35,000 products, Lidl specialises in curated selections and minimal multiple product lines, complementing other retailers in the area.
Before submitting the application, Lidl revealed that the development would involve a multi-million-pound investment creating up to 40 new jobs. The store will feature an award-winning in-store bakery, the popular “Middle of Lidl” section, customer toilets with baby-changing facilities, and sustainable elements like rooftop solar panels.
Parking will accommodate 117 vehicles, including spaces for electric vehicles, accessible parking, parent-and-child bays, and bicycle racks. Starting wages for staff are set at £12.75 per hour, rising to £13.65 based on tenure.
Glen Stidever, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, expressed enthusiasm: “We’re excited to bring our unique Lidl offering to Tewkesbury and Ashchurch. This new store will boost the local economy, increase shopping options, and save residents from travelling farther afield to Cheltenham or Bishop’s Cleeve for quality, affordable products. We look forward to engaging with the community and welcoming their feedback.”