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Lidl is moving ahead with proposals for a new store in Pontllanfraith.

The German retailer has submitted planning permission to knock down the former Stagecoach depot building in Penmaen Industrial Estate and replace it with a new supermarket.

Proposals under consideration by Caerphilly County Borough Council show the new Lidl would also include customer parking for 112 cars, and new access from the B4254.

Planning agents at Carney Sweeney argue Lidl has a “well-established and growing customer base” and requires a new store in the Blackwood area “to cater to local customer demand”.

The proposed new store could also create around 40 full-time equivalent jobs, they added.

Stagecoach closed the site in 2023 following the opening of the firm’s new depot in Cwmbran.

In a market appraisal for the future of the depot, company Knight Frank judged there is a “significant supply” of employment sites within the borough.

In summer 2023, Lidl admitted to Caerphilly Observer it was “exploring options” to open a store in the Blackwood area. It already has stores in Caerphilly, Risca, and Ystrad Mynach.

Pontllanfraith is currently home to a Sainsbury’s, while nearby Blackwood has Asda, Aldi and Home Bargains stores.

The application is currently out for consultation, and can be viewed on the Caerphilly County Borough Council website under reference 25/0494/FULL.