Plans for new Lidl and drive-thru at Monk's Cross approved

The application approved by councillors will allow the supermarket and a drive-thru to be built on the site of a vacant former TK Maxx store off Monks Cross Drive following its demolition.

Josh Ambrus, of Lidl’s agent Rapleys, told councillors the development represented a significant investment into the local economy and it would boost the area’s retail offering.

But Sainsbury’s, which has a store south of the site, opposed the move claiming York did not need another supermarket while councillors raised concerns about littering and health issues from the drive-thru.

The plans are set to see a new store built, the inside of which would cover an area of 2,172sqm including its sales area, warehouse and back of house facilities.

The store is set to be accessed through the existing T-junction from Monks Cross Drive, via the Jockey Lane roundabout.

Elevations for the Lidl proposed at Unit 2 of the Monks Cross Shopping Park, in Monks Cross Drive, York. Picture is from Lidl/Rapleys/York Council's planning portal

The drive-thru is set to be built at the north west of the site.

An operator for the drive-thru is yet to be named but councillors heard it would feature seating inside and could serve either food or coffee.

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The unit which is set to be demolished has stood empty since 2020 when TK Maxx moved to the east of Monks Cross.

An application for a supermarket which proposed partially reusing the existing unit was approved in January 2023.

The vacant TK Maxx store in Unit 2 of Monks Cross Shopping Park, in Monks Cross Drive, York. Picture is from Google Street View

The application stated that the development would be a multi-million pound investment that would create up to 40 jobs.

Rapley’s Mr Ambrus told York Council’s Planning Committee B on Thursday, September 26 that demolishing the unit would allow them to build a store to more modern and efficient standards.

The agent said: “The development represents a significant investment that will boost the local economy and retail offer, it’ll see a brownfield site redeveloped.”

But Labour committee member Cllr Jo Coles said she had concerns about approving a drive-thru given the council’s commitment to improving residents’ health.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Stephen Fenton, also on the committee, said drive-thrus were also known to cause litter due to people throwing packaging out of their cars.

Sainsbury’s claimed there was not enough evidence to show that the opening of another supermarket at Monks Cross would not negatively affect existing stores.