Villagers in Vale of Glamorgan have taken their fight against Lidl’s planned supermarket to the Welsh government, arguing the store would harm the countryside and alter the local landscape. The project, approved in 2024 by Vale of Glamorgan council, is planned for land at a junction that separates Llantwit Major and Llanmaes. An appeal has been launched by residents who oppose the development.
During closing statements of the appeal, Sioned Davies, for Countryside Matters, said the proposal would shape Wales’s approach to countryside development. She contended the development would cause real and acknowledged harm to the landscape and blur the line between Llantwit Major and Llanmaes. The plan, she argued, would be a major intrusion into the open countryside and would fail to meet active transport goals by being inaccessible on foot or by bike. “The proposal is an unjustified major development in the open countryside… the benefits do not outweigh the harms,” she said.
Kieran Molloy, representing Filco and Co-op supermarkets, contended the Lidl project would be “out-of-centre” and alter the site’s visual and functional role irreversibly. He added that the site is not in a sustainable location and would rely heavily on private cars. Gregory Jones KC, for Vale of Glamorgan council, described the proposal as a logical rounding off of Llantwit Major rather than an intrusion into untouched landscape. He noted that not much of the supermarket would be visible from Llanmaes because of a dip in the ground and argued against claims the store would bring the two villages closer, saying the road between them provides a strong physical separating function. He also argued Llanmaes needed a modern discount supermarket.
Douglas Edwards KC, for Lidl, said the supermarket would improve the community by reducing the need to travel to towns like Barry. He added that the project would not cause unacceptable harm to the countryside and enjoyed unprecedented support from residents. Gail Kirkham, 70, of Llanmaes, stated: “All we’re trying to do is protect the countryside,” clarifying they were not against supermarkets but did not want one on that site. Linda Christmas, 63, warned the development could fundamentally change the village’s nature, with increased traffic through the village, potentially beyond the traffic light junction. Lidl’s Rhydian Griffiths pointed to substantial community support for a Lidl foodstore at the location and said ministers should recognise that support when making their decision, noting nearly 3,800 signatories to a petition from residents of Llantwit Major and neighboring communities.
The case highlights tensions between local development and rural conservation, with the Welsh government now weighing the balance between improved local shopping access and landscape preservation.
