Villagers take fight against Lidl store plans to Welsh government

Villagers' battling against Lidl's plans to build a supermarket have taken their fight to the Welsh government.

The store, approved in 2024 by Vale of Glamorgan council, is planned for land at a junction which separates Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.

But an appeal was launched by residents who do not want the store built.

During closing statements of the appeal on Wednesday, Sioned Davies, for Countryside Matters, which is against the plans, said the proposal would shape how Wales treats development in the countryside.

She claimed the development would cause "real and acknowledged harm" to the landscape and blur the distinction between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.

The project, she added, would result in "clear degradation of the rural environment" and would not be accessible on foot or by bike, thus doing "little to achieve" council active transport goals.

"The proposal is an unjustified major development in the open countryside... the benefits do not outweigh the harms," she said.

John Barrett, for Filco and Co-op supermarkets, said the proposed Lidl would be "out-of-centre" and change the "functional visual role of the site" irreversibly.

He added: "The site is not in a sustainable location and would be overly reliant on the use of private motorcars."

Gregory Jones KC, for Vale of Glamorgan council, called the proposal "a logical rounding off of Llantwit Major rather than an intrusion into untouched landscape".

He said not much of the supermarket would be seen from Llanmaes because of a dip in the ground, and argued against claims the store would bring the two villages closer.

The proposal, he said, did not erode the identities of Llantwit Major and Llanmaes as a road between them provided a "strong physical separating function".

He argued Llanmaes needed a "modern discount supermarket".

Douglas Edwards KC, for Lidl, said the supermarket would improve the community by cutting the need to shop in towns like Barry.

The proposal, he added, would not cause "unacceptable harm to the countryside" and had "unprecedented" support from residents.

Gail Kirkham, 70, from Llanmaes, said: "All we're trying to do is protect the countryside."

She said they were not against supermarkets but they just did not want one on that site.

Linda Christmas, 63, said: "It will fundamentally change the nature of the village, with the amount of traffic coming in and out, driving through the village, potentially, not just from the traffic light junction.

"Our concern is that we'll end up joining up with Llantwit Major."

Lidl's Rhydian Griffiths said there had been "significant community support for a Lidl foodstore in this location".

"This support has once again been underlined by almost 3,800 signatories to a recent petition, signed by people living in Llantwit Major and neighbouring communities such as Llanmaes, Rhoose, Cowbridge and St Athan.

"It is clear that local residents recognise the benefit of having increased local shopping choice and improved access to Lidl's award-winning, discount offer."

He said he hoped ministers would recognise that support when they make their decision.