A DERELICT site in Sankey Bridges which has been described as a 'disgrace' and an 'eyesore' might not be redeveloped despite support from nearby residents.

Lidl and KFC want to transform the land, to the south of Sankey Way roundabout, into a supermarket and fast food restaurant creating 53 jobs.

But Warrington Borough Council's development control committee deferred its decision on the plans on Thursday due to concerns about the extra strain on traffic in Thewlis Street.

The committee also heard that the plans could damage trade in Lovely Lane and Westbrook and considered the proposed car park inadequate with 114 spaces instead of the council's recommended 136.

Christian Hawley, property director for Lidl, said: "It's a multimillion pound development of the site and improves what residents consider to be an eyesore.

"We've had no meetings with planning officers or highways officers and I understand planning is a balancing exercise but we've not had the opportunity to make the application as good as it can be.

"As an employer of Warrington people, I don't feel we've had a fair hearing."

Residents speaking at the meeting all supported the plans but Cllr Bernard Long, representing Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council, was opposed due to the potential harm to the retail environment in Westbrook.

Sankey Bridges resident Jim Corbett said: "This land is a total eyesore to the area. It's a disgrace. It's overgrown and the other day I saw a rat running in there.

"Something desperately needs doing with this land. I think this plan will work."

Jason Braithwaite, who works at Allied Cables in Old Liverpool Road, agreed.

He said: "We work in front of it and God knows what goes on there. It's used as a truck rest and the waste gets left and we have to send our lads down to clear it up.

"We see syringes and drug exchanges everyday. I think the development of the land would be fantastic for the community.

"I think the site is a gateway into the town centre and it has been left derelict for many years. It leaves a bad impression on the community and businesses like ourselves."

John McCarroll, a Warrington resident for 40 years, told the committee: "This site is a disgrace and it's a blot on your record.

"There's a bin with your logo on there overflowing for six months. You don't turn down a good opportunity unless you have an alternative so what's your alternative?"

But Cllr Sheila Woodyatt reminded the speakers that the committee's decision had to be on planning grounds.

She added: "There is no shadow of a doubt that this site is an eyesore and a disgrace and I have every sympathy with everyone who lives near it.

"But what we are deciding is the suitability of the site in planning terms. That is our responsibility. It's not our responsibility to clear an eyesore at any price.

"The traffic on that road is quite frightening and I don't think this site is suitable for the application that is being proposed."

- Warrington Borough Council's development control committee will make a decision on the plans at a future meeting