Controversial plans for a new supermarket in Carlisle are set to be decided.
Carlisle City Council granted outline planning permission for a new Lidl supermarket on Warwick Road in January.
A more detailed application has since been submitted to the council for approval and will be decided at the development committee meeting on Friday.
Concerns have been held throughout the planning process about the fact the new supermarket would be built on a flood plain.
Chairman of Carlisle Flood Action Group John Kelsall said: “It’s been developed on a protected flood plain area. We have some concerns that it’s going to make drainage in the area even more difficult even though they’ve put in place some mitigation.”
A surface water drainage scheme is set to be installed onsite. It will see surface water drain into tanks in the ground.
A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said: “We are satisfied that the Flood Risk Assessment is compliant with the requirements for a FRA set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. The proposed development must proceed in strict accordance with this FRA and the mitigation measures identified as it will form part of any subsequent planning approval.
“Any proposed changes to the approved FRA and/or the mitigation measures identified will require the submission of a revised FRA as part of an amended planning application.”
Mr Kelsall said: “The general principle that Local Authorities should be adopting is not taking seriously sites that are on a flood plain or former flood plains. It’ll be interesting to see how members approach it.”
Objections have also been submitted expressing concerns about an increase in traffic, but in their design and access statement, the applicant said: “Vehicular access to the site proposed via a reconfigured junction on Warwick Road, which will include the creation of a new access road to the site and a turning island for drivers entering the site and turning onto Victoria Road. Delivery vehicles will share the same vehicular access, driving into the site turning right and reversing into the delivery bay. The main entrance to the store will be on the southern elevation.”
Three new pedestrian crossings will be constructed, two will cross Warwick Road and connect Lidl with the Southern side of the road.
The new discount food store promises to have “a clean and contemporary design”.
Carlisle City Council’s Development Control Committee is set to meet in the Civic Centre’s Cathedral room at 10am on October 22. Part A of the meeting which includes the development of a new Lidl store, is open to the public.
