Proposals for a new supermarket in Workington, creating 40 jobs, are set to go before planners for a second time following a legal battle.
German discount chain Lidl want to build the store on land next to Tesco and was granted approval by Allerdale council in 2019.
But after a judicial review, the decision was overturned by the High Court.
A new application has now been lodged with amendments to address concerns. Officers at Allerdale have recommended approval.
But concerns remain for Workington Town Council. A report prepared for members states that the town council disagrees that it is the only viable site as they think other sites have potential, particularly Central Car Park, but it was only accepted this would require some design output.
Concerns were also raised about the impact on traffic.
Cumbria County Council, as highways authority, has been appeased by the amended layout offering no objection, adding: “The continuation of the existing cycle/footway is welcomed and needs to be secured by condition.”
It asked that a contribution is made towards a scheme under consideration by the highway authority.
It said: “Duke Street is presently a rat run for vehicles travelling to Station Road which is impacting on the safety of the street. It is accepted there is a previous approval for a smaller building on the site.”
It asked that the council seek a £5,000 contribution to highways schemes to account for the traffic generated by the development, to be used within a five-year timescale.
An officer’s report prepared for the development panel states that the store will reflect the design of branches in Maryport and Cockermouth.
The planning statement sets out the applicant’s plans to manage traffic: “Vehicular access to the Lidl store is proposed via a new priority junction off the A597 with a ghost island right turn.
“The proposed car park for the Lidl food store will total of 118 parking spaces for both staff and customers with nine being built to disabled standard, along with 19 parent-and-child parking spaces and two electric vehicle parking bays.”
Rapleys LLP, on behalf of Lidl, said that discount food stores such as this were “complementary retailers to conventional food shopping.”
It added: “The proposal will provide increased competition and consumer choice and create additional local jobs, in addition to improving convenience shopping in this area of Workington.
“The proposal represents a significant economic investment by Lidl and will provide around 40 jobs once opened, which will be principally taken by local residents”.
