By Harry Mottram: Lidl’s plans to open a branch on Upper New Road betwixt Axbridge and Cheddar has sparked considerable interest in the town and the village of Cheddar. Currently the German owned grocery chain has posted a public feedback form online and posted it through letterboxes locally to give them an idea of how the news is received. Judging by the reaction online in Axbridge’s two FaceBook groups the overwhelming response has been positive.
Some caveats however – mainly to do with traffic congestion, accessibility for non-drivers and the effects it will have on rival stores – mainly the fuel station at the top of Upper New Road and the Co-operative store in Axbridge. It will also have an affect on Shipham’s Hansford shop, the Tweentown store in Cheddar and possibly the shops in Cheddar such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
The site in Upper New Road is the field with a partly completed house, a semi derelict caravan and a site for the sale of Christmas trees in December – and Axbridge Review understands it was sold for development around two years ago. The general consensus is it will be at least two years before the checkouts start taking sales – and that is being optimistic. One factor is the neighbours – a new suburb of Cheddar has grown up opposite and behind the site in recent months – and more homes are planned nearby in the fields between the village and the town. Lidl will have done their homework and looked at the growing population and potential customers – so it is more than an even bet the store will go ahead.
The Lidl feedback form is online: https://cheddar.newsite.lidl.co.uk/
Planning Application
Axbridge Review has previously mentioned the planning application for a new home opposite Moorland Farm. On Monday 14 July the issue will be raised as part of the town council meeting in the town hall. It is Planning application number: 02/25/00014/LE should you wish to comment. The proposal has created comment online over the issue of new builds, developments on a flood plain and the views of those living in Bailiff’s Close. At the same time new homes are needed with the Government committed to more building to house the growing population and it joins a growing list of proposed new homes in the valley with another plan put forward for an estate off Orchard Road in Axbridge. See https://www.orchardroadaxbridge.com/
The planning application was put in for a new build property at the bottom of Moorland Street off Portmeade Drove has seen the light of day before so this is a second attempt to gain permission. Opposite Moorland Farm the home would be two storeys with a garage and access over the rhyne by Axbridge Moor Drove. The comments are open until 17 July on the planning portal in Somerset Council’s website.
Calendar of events
There is a need for a town calendar to prevent potential clashes. On a personal note, I’m involved with the Progressive Supper at the end of November – this year the charity night out in the town that raises thousands for local causes has clashed with ACT’s production of Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial. We changed the date to the week before, rather than stage the evening in December. ACT’s drama is in the Town Hall from November 26-29, 2025 while the progressive supper is on Saturday 22 November – so mark your diaries. I’ve started to list events here and online but a solution is needed as two major events on the same night would be a disaster. Email your events in the town to reduce clashes in future to harryfmottram@gmail.com with the details,
Here are my list so far:
Fri 11 Axbridge School summer Fair. 3.20-5.30pm.
Fri 18 Jul. Axbridge Cricket Club Quiz Night. 7pm. Lamb Inn/
Wed 23 Jul. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Axbridge, West Street. Poetry. Open mic. 7pm.
Wed 23 Jul. Schools Break up for summer holiday.
Thu 24 Jul. Compton House. Taunton Thespians perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 7.30pm
Sat 2 Aug. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Wed 20 Aug. Acoustic Music Night at Axe Vale Arts. Axbridge. 7.30pm
Thu 4 Sep. New School Term.
Sat 6 Sep. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Thu 18-Sat 20 Sep. Axbridge Fun Fair. Axbridge Square.
Sat, 20 Sep. Axbridge Carnival. 2pm. Procession through the town.
Sat 4 Oct. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Fri 24 Oct-3 Nov. School Half Term Break.
Sat 1 Nov. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Sat, 22 Nov: Axbridge Progressive Supper. 6pm-11.30pm.
Wed 26-Sat 29 Nov. Axbridge Town Hall. ACT present the play Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial.
Sat 6 Dec. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Fri 19 Dec-Mon 5 Jan. School Holiday.
Sat 20 Dec. Axbridge Square. Santa in the Square celebrations.
News
If you have news about the town email harryfmottram@gmail.com with the details – this is only a voluntary effort so no promises!
Axbridge Review is edited by Harry Mottram and is published for the interest of himself and fellow residents.
Harry is a freelance journalist. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Blue Sky, YouTube etc
Email:harryfmottram@gmail.com
Website:www.harrymottram.co.uk
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