Store war set to continue (From Warrington Guardian)

Store war set to continue

A PROPOSAL to open a new supermarket in Winsford has been put on hold by Vale Royal Borough Council.

The controversial plan to open a Lidl discount food store on Nat Lane, Wharton, was recommended for approval by the planning committee after a site visit only two weeks ago.

But the application, which strays from the local plan, was referred back to the committee after a meeting of the full council last Thursday, February 25, for further consideration.

Developer Bushwing Plc want to change existing planning permission and turn an empty shop unit next to Carpet World and adjacent to Morrisons, on Wharton Retail Park, into a discount food outlet.

But a report issued by Vale Royal Borough Council expressed concern that the new store could take business away from Winsford Town Centre.

There were also concerns that parking provision at the site would be insufficient for a food outlet.

A spokesperson for Vale Royal Borough Council said: "Because of its departure from the development plan, members of the council wish there to be further consideration of the issues involved."

The proposal will be discussed by the planning committee at a meeting on Tuesday, March 30, and if it is recommended for approval again the final decision will rest with the full council.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.