Others have welcomed the proposals, saying they will boost employment and provide a cheaper alternative for people living in the north and west of the city.
In October, Lidl unveiled its plans to convert two units at Churchill Way West Retail Park into a supermarket in a multi-million-pound development.
The store would replace Smyths Toys and Homesense if the plans are approved by a Wiltshire Council planning officer.
Lidl would open next to Sports Direct and Waitrose if the plans are given the green light (Image: Google/planning documents) Smyths closed its doors upon the expiry of its lease on Sunday, January 5, and Homesense will shut on January 27.
Lidl says it is “eager to make shopping even more convenient for customers, with our new store ideally located to serve residents in the north and west of Salisbury”.
Around 40 jobs would be created at the supermarket. A separate standalone unit would be created under the development.
If Lidl’s plans are approved, the supermarket would be next door to Sports Direct and Waitrose.
Lidl would retain store on Hatches Lane, near Southampton Road, and rival Aldi has a budget supermarket on London Road, near the site of the approved Asda.
More than 140 comments have been submitted to the council under the public consultation to object or voice their support for the new supermarket.
People who would like to see a new Lidl built have cited congestion on Southampton Road, which they believe would be reduced.
Steve Mackie said: “This is fantastic news. It will have a positive impact on the Southampton Road traffic crisis.”
Andrew Lee commented: “At last, we get a great store come to the industrial retail park that will stop us having to go down to Southampton Road.
“I absolutely support this application and want to see this happen. Well done, Lidl.”
Does Salisbury need another budget supermarket? Beverley Johnston said: “It will be a great asset not having to brave Southampton Road or London Road for a cost-friendly supermarket.”
Other consultees are disappointed to see Smyths and Homesense leave, say Salisbury does not need another supermarket and fear traffic will worsen on the A36 Churchill Way and at the Castle Roundabout.
Teresa Barsby said: “I object to this proposed change of use for this retail unit to become another supermarket, when there is already one on the site and there are two further large supermarkets within walking distance of the location.
“It will mean we have less variety of retailers concentrated in this area, offering fewer options to residents, meaning residents will have to travel further to find goods.
“I fear another supermarket here will result in an increase of traffic in an already busy area.
“Salisbury actually needs a supermarket much further west of the city, towards Wilton so that those living on the west side do not have to drive into the city itself.”
Inside Smyths Toys on its last day trading in Salisbury (Image: Newsquest) Matthew Jones said: “I am worried a new supermarket at Churchill Way without additional car parking measures will cause chaos, as I imagine there will be far more traffic in the car park than with the current Homesense and Smyths footfall.
“I think this will be very disruptive and potentially unsafe.”
Catherine Hallam responded: “There is no need for an additional Lidl in a city the size of Salisbury.
“It’s such a shame that Salisbury is so short-sighted when selecting retailers for our city.”
Cycle access from the city centre would be via the new River Park (Image: Ian Selmes) The Cycling Opportunities Group for Salisbury (COGS) has objected to the plans, claiming they make “insufficient provision for cycle access to the new store”.
COGS spokesperson Margaret Willmot said: “The provision of additional cycle parking at the proposed Lidl is welcome.
“However, currently it would be difficult and dangerous for cyclists to get to and from this parking area.”
City councillors have called for improved bus access to the retail park (Image: Newsquest) They say the cycle route from the River Avon stops at the edge of the retail park and the subsequent footpath is “insufficient for shared use” and could bring cyclists into “considerable conflict with customers and their trolleys outside Waitrose”.
Salisbury city councillors echoed these concerns and called for better bus access to the retail park.
At a planning committee meeting on November 18, councillor Victoria Charleston (Lib Dem, St Paul’s) said she “really welcomes a more affordable food store on our side of the city.”
“There are buses that go near. Would it not be lovely if the R1 did stop at Lidl?”, she asked.
“We’re quite keen to suggest the buses go back there three or four times a day. It would be rather fantastic, and I think my residents would be thrilled.”
The Journal has contacted Lidl for a response. Wiltshire Council has not confirmed a decision date.