Belgard pub will be calling last orders if Lidl plans get go-ahead

As reported in The Echo at the time, Lidl proposed to develop its new store on the Belgard Inn’s overflow carpark – after the supermarket chain purchased the land, including the pub and bookies, for around €2.6 million.

As part of the original planning permission granted it was to be business as usual for the landmark pub and bookies, with Lidl, in its new capacity as landlord, leasing both establishments to the current management.

However, Lidl Ireland has revised its planning permission and this week lodged a new application for the site – which includes demolishing the Belgard Inn.

A spokeswoman for Lidl Ireland told The Echo that in light of Lidl’s new concept stores, which are bigger in size and involve a new design, that all planning applications and permissions are being reviewed and where possible revised.

She was unable to confirm if the redevelopment of a pub, on the proposed new-look site, was being considered.

However, she did say, there is scope on the site for some kind of development but a decision has not yet been made.

The new planning application seeks the demolition of the existing public house and adjacent multi-deck car park to pave the way for the development of a new mono pitched, licensed, discount food store with a single vehicular entrance and exit on the Cookstown Road.

The new application also includes the development of a plaza and retail/café building at the corner of Cookstown Road and Old Belgard Road.

Management at the Belgard Inn told The Echo that it’s business as usual for the local pub and that they will be continuing to trade while Lidl go through the planning process.