Lidl has been given the green light to demolish a former factory to make way for a new store between Warwick and Leamington Spa.

Warwick District Council has granted prior approval for Europa House on Heathcote Lane to be demolished to make way fort the new shop.

The discount retailer first revealed its plans last year, and is still waiting for the council to sign off on its full planning application for the new development.

Lidl has now been given 'prior approval' to demolish the existing building to make way for the supermarket.

"This application is seeking the local planning authority's determination as to whether its prior approval is required regarding the method of demolition and any proposed restoration," the application said. 

"The application is accompanied by the relevant information to allow the local planning authority to determine the request, and site notices have been erected around the site."

Plans show asbestos would need to be removed from the site as part of the demolition.

Lidl hopes to build a 125-vehicle car park for the new supermarket on the 2.12 acre site.

Lidl wants to demolish Europa House on Heathcote Lane (image via planning application)

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Signing off on the plans, a council report said: "Officers are further satisfied that the correct process has been followed and evidence has been provided of the site notice which was erected on the land.

"Based on the information provided, a site visit and consideration of the works, including the constraints associated with the site, it is recommended that prior approval is required and approved subject to conditions and notes."

Plans show the Lidl store would be open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Access to the site will be taken from Heathcote Lane.

Lidl already has a store at nearby Myton Road. It is unclear whether the new site would be a relocation, or whether the company would operate both sites.

See more here.

Outline plans for the proposed new Lidl supermarket (image via planning application)