Travis Perkins development scuppered by supermarket

Plans to build a new Travis Perkins branch in Bridport, Dorset, may have been sabotaged by a spat between two supermarket chains.

Discount chain Lidl planned to redevelop the Travis Perkins branch on the town’s East Road, allowing the builders merchant to build a new branch alongside the proposed new supermarket.

However, planning officials may withdraw support for the scheme following rival supermarket chain Waitrose’s arrival in the town.

A new assessment allegedly shows that the Waitrose branch will have a much bigger turnover and wider customer base than the town centre Somerfield branch it replaces.

According to the Bridport News, this might mean Lidl ‘s claim that there is a clear ‘planning need’ will be rejected, and along with it the redevelopment plans for the Travis Perkins site.