CONSTRUCTION on a supermarket development, which has caused concern among many Middlewich residents, could soon begin after plans were given the green light.

Congleton Borough Council's planning committee has approved a second planning application from German supermarket chain, Lidl, for a 1,000 square metre store on the old WMC site off Chester Road.

The council approved the original submission in June but the chain has now altered the plans to give the store more floor space and a slightly larger area.

However the plans have met with some resistance from local people, particularly those living in a sheltered accommodation style estate behind the proposed site.

The residents are worried that the new development will encourage people to use the estate as a thoroughfare for access to the store and that light from security lighting at the store will spill into their houses.

Lidl's regional director Adam Clayfield has reassured those living near the site that the company will do everything possible to work with the local people and ensure that the store has a minimal effect on their every day lives.

As part of the approval, Congleton Borough Council have entered a clause ensuring Lidl make a contribution towards the installation of a pedestrian crossing and the upgrade of existing bus stops that would service the site, the store cannot be opened until the work on these improvements is complete.

The council has also entered clauses stating that adequate shielding must be placed on all external lights and a wall, at least two metres high must be built along the three sides of the development sharing borders with other properties.