Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Homes could be built on the current site of Risca’s Lidl supermarket, if the German retailer moves to a new location in the town.

Early proposals include plans for up to 42 new homes and a “flexible” mix of shops, offices or restaurants in Commercial Street.

Planning advisors at CarneySweeney have unveiled plans which show Lidl could move to a new site around 500 metres to the south-east, at the former Bird Factory site.

CarneySweeney said the redevelopment will bring “much-needed” homes to Risca, in a “sustainable” brownfield location.

A new store will also “significantly increase” the offer for Lidl customers and create jobs, the advisors added.

The project is at the early stages and members of the public are currently invited to take part in a pre-application consultation on the proposals.

In a design statement, HTC Architects describe creating a “vibrant, sustainable community” development comprising new homes and commercial buildings.

The residential properties will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom houses and apartments, to “appeal to a variety of demographics, from young professionals to families”.

While the homes will mainly be located away from the main road, those properties above the high-street commercial units will be “set back… to create privacy”, the architects added.

Meanwhile, those retail premises “will play a crucial role in regenerating the area by transforming the site into a hub for activity”.

According to Carney Sweeney, the commercial units are proposed to be classed at shops, financial or professional services, and food and drink premises such as restaurants or cafes.

If the project goes ahead, it will progress in a “phased manner” incorporating the proposed relocation of Lidl supermarket.

That move will create a “larger, more modern store which in turn will enhance the area with improved customer offerings”, the architects added.

The pre-application consultation on the proposed redevelopment of the existing Lidl store site is currently under way and runs until Monday March 31.

To view the proposals in more detail, and to have your say, visit the CarneySweeney website for more information at https://www.carneysweeney.co.uk/consultations/redevelopment-of-the-lidl-store-site-for-mixed-use-residential-led-development-commercial-street-risca-1.html