PLANS to knock down a former service station in Lymm and replace it with a supermarket will be discussed this week.

Developers went to flatten the old Rushgreen Service Station and build a large food shop in its place.

But neighbours and former Mayor Clr Sheila Woodyatt have objected to the plans which will be debated by councillors on Wednesday.

Planning officers at Warrington Town Hall say the scheme should go ahead.

But residents say not only will the development hit the rural character of that part of Lymm, but that its opening could hit exisiting traders in the centre of the village nearby.

Clr Woodyatt said she had referred the application to the planning sub-committee because of the “serious local concern about the detrimental effect on the rural character of this part of Rushgreen Road, increase in traffic and potential harm to the viability of the shops in Lymm village centre.”

Neighbours say there is no need for the new shop with a Sainsbury’s Local available on The Cross and say it could threaten current businesses.

They also argue the increased traffic would worsen existing congestion which can build up on Rushgreen Road.

However, in a detailed report, planners say they believe at least half the new shoppers won’t currently shop in Lymm and say there is a quick turnaround for vacant units in the centre of Lymm - therefore reducing the threat of a new development.

The application will be discussed at 6.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.