Lidl has submitted new plans to build a supermarket and housing development on a long‑derelict site at Hamsey Green, on the border of Croydon and Surrey. The site, previously home to the Good Companions pub, was purchased by the German supermarket chain 12 years ago for around £2m but has remained largely empty since, attracting graffiti, fly‑tipping and becoming an “eyesore,” according to local residents.
Under the proposals, a modern Lidl store would be built on Tithepit Shaw Lane, offering a sales area of approximately 1,235 sqm. Facilities would include an in‑store bakery, customer toilets, and baby‑changing stations. The store would provide 55 customer parking spaces, including accessible bays, parent‑and‑child spaces, rapid electric vehicle charging points, covered cycle parking, and dedicated resident parking.
Above the supermarket, the development would include six three‑bedroom townhouses and seven two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments, with some designated as affordable housing. Each unit would have private gardens or terraces, secure storage, and dedicated parking for residents.
Lidl estimates the project could create up to 40 new jobs for local people, including full‑time and part‑time roles, with pay aligned to its London‑wide rates.
The company has consulted extensively with local residents over the past year. More than 1,300 people expressed support for the proposals, citing benefits such as increased shopping convenience, new homes, and local employment opportunities.
To address concerns about traffic, safety, and environmental impact, Lidl has included a package of measures. These include traffic‑calming initiatives, a proposed reduction in the nearby speed limit, improved pedestrian crossings near local schools, and landscaping to integrate the development with its surroundings. Local residents have voiced concerns over increased traffic and road safety, particularly at school drop‑off times. Geoff Goatley, who lives opposite the site, said: “At school time, it is absolute murder; if you come after 2.30 pm you can’t get parked anywhere.”
Max Clapton, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in our consultation. We want to deliver a scheme that’s best for Hamsey Green and have updated our proposals in line with the feedback we received. We hope to become a pillar of the community, providing investment, jobs and homes through our development, and are excited to be a step closer to delivering this. With the plans now submitted, we encourage as many residents as possible to support our proposals and help secure this much‑needed development.”
The site sits on the boundary between Croydon and Tandridge district, meaning the application must be approved by both local authorities. Residents can view the plans on Croydon Council’s planning portal under reference 25/03653/FUL, and the Tandridge Council application under TA/2025/1271.
