Residents oppose a new Lidl supermarket. The Welsh Government might intervene after council approval.
The planning committee approved the plan last December, going against advice from planning officials. Now, the Welsh Government is reviewing it and might make the final decision.
Llanmaes residents still oppose the Lidl. They feel ignored by Lidl and the committee, thinking the location is wrong for the store.
A council member, Gwyn John, worries about traffic, fearing big trucks will drive through the village. He also questioned the 10 PM closing time.
Another resident, Graeme Smith, shared the traffic concerns but noted a positive change: the car park will now close after hours. Smith mentioned late-night car racing there and said many shoppers will come from St Athan. Lidl disputed this claim, stating the land is within Llanmaes’ boundary.
This area won awards for its beauty. A councillor, Christine Cave, opposed the location, thinking the area is unsuitable.
Some Llantwit Major residents support the new Lidl. One resident said the town needs more food options, and a councillor, Ian Johnson, agreed on the need.
Conditions control the store’s lighting; lights will be off when the store is closed. The committee changed the closing time to 9 PM.
Rob Mitchell spoke for Lidl UK. He said Lidl wants to be a good neighbor and avoid problems for residents nearby.
Lidl promised to avoid sending trucks through Llanmaes. The council waits for the Welsh Government’s decision about the holding direction.