Alexandria’s main street is finally set to benefit from a Lidl supermarket after a fresh planning application was submitted to West Dunbartonshire Council for approval.

Proposals for the foodstore, associated access, parking, landscaping at Mitchell Way will be presented to members of the planning committee next week.

The site, formally a Citizens Advice Bureau, is now made up of car parking and a vacant building which accommodated flats and a retail unit.  Included in the plans are 132 parking spaces, eight of which will be reserved for people with disabilities, two rapid electric vehicle spaces and four for staff parking.

Pedestrian access will be available along both Bank Street and Mitchell Way and cycle spaces are also proposed and will be provided within the car park.

A previous application for a larger site made up of a foodstore as well as 25 new flats was submitted in 2022 but was withdrawn following discussions with the council’s planning service.

Last year members of West Dunbartonshire Council’s infrastructure, redevelopment and economic development (IRED) committee agreed to demolish the remaining buildings on Mitchell Way and hand the land over to Lidl.

Since then, concerns have been raised with the local community council, the local traders association and the Vale of Leven Trust respectively about the development.

A nearby property owner, who supports the principle of the development but raises concern regarding footpaths, has also contacted West Dunbartonshire Council.

Fears have been raised regarding the proposed arrangement which encourages shoppers to jump straight into their cars and go home.

Residents have also pointed out that the location is not in the town centre but at the far end of the town which could have a detrimental impact to the smaller independent shops there.  

But others feel that the Lidl is needed to help bring footfall to the Main Street and the store should help improve the area not create a barrier.

Members of the planning team will be presented with these concerns at next week’s meeting and a final decision is expected to be made.