Planning permission for a new retail development on Low Road in Cockermouth has been refused.

Members of Allerdale council's development panel last week said they were minded to turn down the plans for two retail units on vacant industrial land behind the Lakes Home Centre.

They could not issue a decision as the Secretary of State had received a request to call in the application and take the decision out of the council's hands.

Having considered the request, the Secretary of State has now confirmed the plan will not be called in for a decision to be made at Government level.

That has given the council the green light to issue a decision refusing planning permission.

Opus Land North (Cockermouth) Ltd wanted permission to build a food store and a separate retail unit.

Agent Jeremy Williams, of ID Planning, said companies had not yet been lined up to occupy the proposed units but the development had the potential to create 50 jobs.

He added that the developer was confident of filling the units, which would each measure 1,486 square metres internally, if permission was granted.

Objectors fear the development could harm the town centre.

Development panel members were concerned about the loss of available land for potential industrial development.

Councillors voted 10 to one in favour of refusal, with one abstention.

The developer has the option to appeal.