Downham Market man George Dickson slams Lidl for invading his privacy

The construction of a highly anticipated new supermarket is an exciting process for many - but not for a man who lives next door to the site.

George Dickson’s home in Downham borders the Lidl store currently being built, and he has serious concerns about his privacy.

He claims that a fence between his Bexwell Road house and the business has been made smaller than the required 1.8m - meaning customers will be able to peer directly into his garden.

Meanwhile, he says the fence is supposed to be ‘acoustic’, helping to block out noise from the site - but this planning condition has not been met either.

Mr Dickson, 62, who lives with his wife, said: “People from the car park can see straight into my garden.

“They can see my grandchildren in the hot tub, which is just horrendous.

“The biggest issue is that somebody getting out of their car going shopping can look into my garden.

“That can’t be right. I need my privacy.”

Many Downham residents have been eagerly waiting for Lidl to be built on Bexwell Road, opposite McDonalds.

The Lynn News was previously told that the store could be open before Christmas - although an exact date has yet to be confirmed.

Once completed, it will be the fourth supermarket in the town, joining Tesco, Morrisons and Iceland.

But Mr Dickson, who is retired and is the secretary at Downham Town Football Club, also has other concerns.

He says his house and cars are frequently left covered in dust and other materials from the building site - and that the only mitigation he has received is an offer of cleaning his car once the store is complete.

He has also been left frustrated by a lack of action to improve conditions despite his communications with Lidl and its contractors.

“They are just ignoring the fact that they have done this,” Mr Dickson added.

“They claim they want to be a good neighbour.”

Cllr Josie Ratcliffe, who represents Downham on West Norfolk Council, has confirmed she has raised the issue with planning enforcement officers.

Lidl was contacted for comment, but has yet to respond.