Full Breakdown
Lidl Supermarket Approved in Londonderry After Prolonged Planning Process
6/25/2026, 1:42:30 AM
Core Decision: Approval of Lidl at Crescent Link
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced on Wednesday her intention to grant planning permission for a Lidl supermarket on the vacant plot beside the Premier Inn at Crescent Link retail park in Londonderry. The decision ends a planning process that began in 2021 and will be subject to conditions in a forthcoming Notice of Opinion.
Background & Timeline
The Lidl proposal was submitted in 2021, approved by Derry City and Strabane District Council in January 2022, and called in by the Department for Infrastructure in September 2022. After criticism, the department apologised in early 2023. On Wednesday, Minister Kimmins signalled approval.
Key Stakeholders
Key actors are Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, Derry City and Strabane District Council, retailer Lidl, SDLP assembly member Mark H. Durkan, DUP MLA Julie Middleton, and supportive local community groups.
Economic Data & Job Projections
The project will create 70 construction jobs and 35 permanent full-time and part-time roles. Lidl’s £31 million north-west investment includes three new stores and over 100 retail jobs, promising greater shopping choices for low-income families.
Official Statements & Responses
Kimmins described the decision as “carefully balanced,” weighing housing-land concerns, the “town centre first” policy and planning-system confidence against the social and economic benefits of job creation and community investment. Durkan welcomed the outcome as ending a “ridiculously long planning process,” and Middleton said the development concluded a “long and often complex planning process.” The department’s earlier apology acknowledged criticism of the protracted timeline.
Criticism Over Delays
Local councillors criticised the extended review, arguing it stalled economic growth in the Waterside area; the department’s 2023 apology responded to those concerns.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In this case, I have attached significant material weight to the social and economic benefits of job creation in the Waterside area, greater shopping choices for low-income families, investment in the local community and strong support from elected representatives and community groups,” — Liz Kimmins, Infrastructure Minister, Department for Infrastructure
- “With all of this in mind, it is therefore my decision to approve the application.” — Liz Kimmins, Infrastructure Minister, Department for Infrastructure
- “After a ridiculously long planning process, the DfI minister has confirmed to me that the Lidl application for Crescent Link has been approved.” — Mark H. Durkan, SDLP Assembly Member
- “ DUP MLA Julie Middleton also welcomed the move, saying the Lidl development followed "what has been a long and often complex planning process".” — Julie Middleton, DUP MLA
Implications for the Waterside Area
The approval should boost employment, expand consumer choice and reinforce confidence in regional planning, while raising questions about balancing commercial development with housing-land preservation under the “town centre first” policy.
What’s Next
A Notice of Opinion will be issued to the council and Lidl before approval, after which Lidl plans to start construction later this year as part of its £31 million north-west rollout.
