Lidl can demolish Kitfix Swallow Group in Swaffham, Breckland Council says

A toy factory looks set to be demolished and rebuilt as part of a “restoration” of the site.

The Kitfix Swallow Group premises on Castle Acre Road in Swaffham can be crushed without receiving planning permission, a Breckland Council report has said.

This means that supermarket giant Lidl, the applicant, can go ahead and flatten the factory before commencing construction of a new, as-of-yet unidentified building.

The company was set up by toymaking tycoon Stuart Marcus, who died in 2019 at the age of 86.

The Swaffham site reportedly specialises in selling ‘Sequin Art’ craft packs.

Planning documents do not appear to give any specific reason for demolishing the factory, although Mr Marcus’ two sons are currently embroiled in a High Court battle over who will receive their father’s fortune.

One has claimed that the other was “conceived by his mother on a one-night stand” and so should not be entitled to the fortunes.

It is unclear if the case is at all related to the Swaffham site’s future.

Breckland Council’s report said: “Prior approval is not required as sufficient information regarding the method of demolition and restoration of the site is considered acceptable to protect the character of the area and the amenity of local people.”

It is expected that the “build” phase will see a new premises constructed within five years.