Plans to build a Tk Maxx store in Workington have been given the green light.

Allerdale council's development panel unanimously approved to give Land Securities permission to build the store of around 20,000 square foot split between two floors.

The shop at Derwent Howe Retail Park would create up to 40 jobs.

The owners of Washington Square had raised concerns the new store would drive too much business away from the town centre.

But an independent assessment carried out by Allerdale council found the impact to the town centre would be of 2.8 per cent.

Councillor Marion Fitzgerald said: "It looks like the retail assessment has been done for Tk Maxx, but they are not the applicant, so they aren't necessarily the people who will occupy the building."

Planning officers reassured councillors if another retailer was to occupy the building the impact on the town centre would be reassessed depending on the type of goods sold.

When plans for the store were announced, Suzanne Caldwell, deputy chief executive at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: "TK Maxx will be a valuable addition to the retail offer in Workington.

"It will help to attract shoppers to the town and encourage local people to shop in Workington rather than travel further afield."