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Following our recent update on Lidl’s intention to prepare a revised planning application for The Orchard site Lidl Prepares a New Planning Bid for The Orchard Supermarket: The RRA Awaits the Facts Before Judging | Ruislip Residents’ Association the RRA can now confirm that around 5,000 households will receive a leaflet this week as part of Lidl’s pre‑application public consultation. This forms part of the early engagement process and is not a planning application; nothing has yet been submitted to Hillingdon Council.
On Friday 5th June, the RRA had the opportunity to meet with representatives acting for Lidl who are leading the pre‑application consultation. They explained that they are seeking resident feedback before finalising their latest draft design.
Key points from the meeting:
- Lidl has purchased The Orchard site, but London Plan Policy HC7 – Protecting Public Houses remains a major consideration. London Boroughs must resist the loss of pubs unless there is robust evidence they are no longer viable. This is why the site still appears as “for sale” on the Rapley’s website.
- Lidl’s team is liaising with the Polish veterans’ community regarding the Spitfire memorial. A larger memorial garden is proposed.
LEAFLET DROP AND HOW TO RESPOND
Residents will shortly receive a leaflet containing:
- An outline of Lidl’s emerging proposals
- A Freepost feedback form
- An online response option
The RRA strongly encourages residents to use this opportunity to provide constructive feedback. This is the stage where public views can genuinely influence the design before it is finalised.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
It is important to emphasise:
- Finalised plans are not imminent.
- It will be some time before Lidl is ready to submit a formal planning application to Hillingdon Council.
- The seven refusal reasons from 2025 remain the hurdles Lidl must overcome, including design, heritage, highways, biodiversity, air quality and the protection of public houses .
OUR POSITION
As stated in our earlier article, the RRA will continue to take a fact‑based, non‑political approach. We will review the draft proposals once they are published and will keep residents informed at every stage.
For now, we encourage everyone who receives a leaflet to read it carefully and share your views directly with Lidl through the Freepost or online options provided.