New bid for Lidl store
The firm, which has more than 500 outlets across the country, was denied permission to open a new store in the city in April.
Lidl had planned to turn the former Herman Miller furniture factory at Lower Bristol Road into a food store and three other shops.
Planners turned down the firm's first application on the grounds that the three non-food stores could undermine the city's £360 million SouthGate shopping centre which is due to open in November.
Lidl has now submitted a new application which splits the site into four with one unit being used as a Lidl neighbourhood food store and the remaining three units remaining in their current business classification, which would rule out retail use.
The former factory - listed because of its distinctive roof - has been empty since February 2006 and was targeted by vandals and used by travellers before they were moved on in April.
Lidl's latest application to Bath and North East Somerset Council has been backed by almost 650 letters of support from local people who attended open days run by the firm in February.
It is looking to create a store with 91 car parking spaces including spaces close to the entrance for disabled shoppers and parents and children.
The new store would have 18 secure and lit bicycle racks for customer and staff.
Lidl has pledged £22,000 to contribute to the pedestrian and cycle infrastructure arund the site.
It will also look to develop a 3-metre strip of land close to the River Avon initially for extra parking before being implemented into a riverside walkway.
It has applied to open the store from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
The firm has claimed there is a 'deficiency in convenience retail provision in Bath' and says a Lidl food store would increase "price-based competition" for the benefit of local people.
Lidl called in consultants after the Environment Agency raised concerns about potential surface water flooding and says there should not be a significant risk of this.
Lidl has also included a flood management plan in its latest application.
A spokesman for the firm said: "The proposed refurbishment will resurrect a vacant and tired-looking building of historical importance.
"It would not have a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of Bath city centre or nearby shopping centres.
"A new store will provide new jobs for local people."
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