PLANS to build a new Lidl store have been turned down over fears of its impact on a town centre's viability.

The discount supermarket chain sought permission from Babergh District Council on Wednesday morning to build the new store on land at Lady Lane, in Hadleigh.

The proposals, initially brought forward in November 2024, promised to create the equivalent of around 40 full-time jobs and provide a new, affordable option for shoppers.

However, councillors rejected the plans after officers raised concerns about the new store's impact on the viability of existing businesses.

They said the new store had the potential to significantly divert trade from the existing Co-op in High Street, making up 81 per cent of the town centre's convenience goods turnover.

Georgina Brotherton, who spoke on behalf of East of England Co-op, said an impact on the store, employing 30 people, would have consequences across the town.

"Not only will the Co-op store suffer, but so will other established shops in the town centre," she said.

Ms Brotherton said investment plans for the store had been put on hold – but did not reveal what these were – and warned any future decision could be shelved.

Further concerns around access safety, light pollution and the accuracy of the assessments provided were raised in 19 objections addressed to the council.

Not everyone agreed, with six letters in support of the new store saying a new, affordable alternative was welcome alongside the creation of new jobs.

Sean Moulton, the agent, shared his frustration at how the plans had been handled and challenged the impact of the new store on the town centre.

Ultimately, however, most councillors agreed with the officer's assessment and shared their own fears for the viability of the Co-op store.

Cllr Kathryn Grandon, a member for Hadleigh, said: "It only takes small changes, and a small number of people not going to those businesses, to affect their bottom line and their viability."

The plans were refused with eight votes to one.