A PLANNING application to build a Lidl and a KFC on a site in Sankey Bridges has been approved.

Warrington Borough Council's planning committee approved the plan to transform the land, to the south of Sankey Way roundabout, despite councillors raising concerns about parking, leaves, litter and health.

A decision on the application was deferred from February while concerns about highway safety, retail and design were investigated by the applicants.

The committee heard that the access point to the site had been changed to Old Liverpool Road and approved of changes to the site layout and design of the buildings which will now feature brick and glazing.

Nearby residents spoke at the meeting in support of the scheme as it would mean they no longer had to cross Sankey Way or travel to Penketh to shop at stores they said are too expensive to do a weekly shop in.

Elizabeth Holt, chairman of Sankey Bridges Community Centre, said: "People in the area need a supermarket with competitive prices for good food.

"There are lots of elderly people in the area and mums with pushchairs who often struggle to get buses to a supermarket.

"Sankey Bridges seems to be a forgotten area. The land has been an eyesore for too long."

Resident John McCarroll told the committee that the plan would solve anti-social problems on the site such as alleged drug dealing and litter.

Although most of the councillors supported the plans for the Lidl store, some did raise concerns about opening a KFC in 'one of the most deprived areas of the town' .

Cllr Judith Wheeler said: "I am concerned about the effects of fast food on a healthy lifestyle and opening a KFC in one of the most deprived areas of town seems to go against what we are trying to do in this council."

But Christian Hawley, property director for Lidl, explained that the site was too big for Lidl to take on on its own which was why the agreed to sell part of the land to KFC.

Council officers reassured the committee that the fast food restaurant would not be within 400 metres of a school and therefore did not breach the council's policy.

Cllr Peter Carey also raised concerns about the proposed opening times for KFC from 7am until 11.30pm seven days a week.

He said: "11.30pm is too late for a site where access is by residential streets. Does 11.30pm mean everyone will have gone by then or the last meal will be served then?"

The application was approved with the condition that the opening hours of KFC be reviewed with six councillors voting for it, one against and two abstained.