PLANS for a new Lidl store are set for a decision on the second time of asking, following a legal battle to overturn its prior approval.

Allerdale Borough Council’s planning panel initially approved plans for a Lidl store in 2019 but following a Judicial Review, the decision was overturned by the High Court.

But the applicant has submitted an amended application after tweaking the plans to address concerns.

The proposal would see the new Lidl store constructed next-door to the town’s Tesco supermarket and opposite Borough Park, the home of Workington Reds.

Officers will recommend that councillors approve the new proposal subject to a number of conditions and a section 106 agreement.

But concerns remain for Workington Town Council.

A report prepared for members states that the town council “disagree 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.

“The continuation of the existing cycle/footway is welcomed and needs to be secured by condition.”

They asked that a contribution is made towards a scheme under consideration by the highway authority.

“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.”

They 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 5 year timescale.

An officer’s report prepared for the planning panel states that the store will reflect the design of branches in Maryport and Cockermouth.

The planning statement submitted to Allerdale Council 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 are “complimentary retailers to conventional food shopping.”

“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”

They say that the proposal “represents a significant economic investment by Lidl and will provide around 40 job positions once opened, which will be principally taken by local residents.”