Lidl defends its Downham Market supermarket construction amid George Dickson’s privacy concerns
A supermarket chain has insisted its upcoming West Norfolk store is being built “in accordance” with planning rules despite a resident’s concerns.
Yesterday, we reported that George Dickson - whose home in Downham borders the Lidl premises currently being built - 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 alleges that this planning condition has not been met either.
However, a spokesperson for Lidl told the Lynn News that construction is still ongoing, including the fence itself.
They said that it is almost complete, and will be 1.8m high when finished - while it will also meet the “acoustic specifications required”.
The spokesperson said: “It’s always our aim to keep disruption to an absolute minimum during the construction of a new store, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“Our Downham Market store has been built in accordance with the plans approved by West Norfolk Council and we are confident that all construction requirements will be met before our opening.
“We truly believe that the new store will greatly benefit those in the community, from the creation of jobs to providing easy and convenient access to our high-quality products available at the best value.”
Mr Dickson, 62, who lives with his wife, also said his house and cars are frequently left covered in dust and other materials from the building site.
The Lynn News was told that Lidl contractors are “actively managing” site levels and dust control measures, and that Mr Dickson has been offered a clean of his windows and car ahead of a “final clean” once construction has finished.
Lidl was once again unable to confirm an opening date for the new Downham store.
