Over a decade after Lidl bought the old Good Companions pub in Hamsey Green, a revised planning application is in the pipeline for the abandoned site on the border between Croydon and Surrey.
Neighbours may be familiar with the boarded up development site, on the corner of Limpsfield Road and Tithe Pit Shaw Lane, owned by Lidl.
Outline plans include a new budget supermarket “built to the very latest specification” with over 1,200sqm sales area, according to a leaflet sent to residents.
“Modern” in-store facilities, like Lidl’s “popular” bakery is said to be included in the design, as well as customer toilets and baby changing.
“A new Lidl store on this site would increase local shopping choice and create up to 40 new local jobs,” the leaflet read.
“The plans represent a multi-million pound investment and will regenerate this currently disused site.”
Not only a retail offering, the German firm details it is hoping to propose six three-bed townhouses, as well as seven two and three-bed apartments above the Lidl store.
Each of the new homes will have private gardens or terraces as well as communal outdoor spaces, the leaflet states.
Up to 55 car parking spaces – including four accessible as well as two parent and child bays- will be made available on site, the leaflet claims.
Details show the bus stop will be retained on Limpsfield Road, allowing easy access to the store.
Fourth time lucky, the company’s previous three plans for the site (2012, 2013 and 2016) were rejected for traffic and safety reasons.
The scheme will be submitted to Croydon Council, for approval, and shared with Tandridge District Council for the authority to pass on its own comments.
No end date to the consultation period has been announced, and Lidl has not yet outlined when the council can expect an application.
In a letter addressed to ward councillors, Lidl’s agent said: “We appreciate that Lidl’s previous attempts to develop the site have generated a mix of responses.
“Therefore to address any local concerns, over the coming days we are launching a full public consultation including a leaflet with a freepost feedback form , a website which will be fully launched soon (hamseygreen.newsite.lidl.co.uk) and an in-person event.
“The drop-in community consultation event will be on Wednesday, February 26 at Warlingham Rugby Football Club on Limpsfield Road (CR6 9RB).
“This event will be open to the public between 4pm and 8pm, but we will be holding a separate session at the consultation event for local councillors and stakeholders between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
“In addition, a preview session for nearest neighbours and local retailers will be held between 3.30pm and 4pm.”
Link to leaflet: https://www.croydonconservatives.com/sites/www.croydonconservatives.com/files/2025-02/Lidl%20Sanderstead%20-%20Leaflet%20-%20FEB%202025.pdf
