Council changes stance over supermarket plan

3:08pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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CHANGES to the design of a proposed Lidl store have finally won it approval from Thirsk Town Council.

There had been some concerns that the planned design for the £4m store on Station Road in the town looked too industrial.

And the town council had formally objected, saying it should be less like a shed on an industrial estate.

David Murphy, Lidl’s development executive, told town councillors this week he wanted them to be on board with the scheme.

He said: “In terms of design that’s one area where we know people have told us their views through consultation.

“We came up with an initial design which is a bland looking building and now we have one which is more suitable and sympathetic to Thirsk.

“We want to think we can ask you to rescind your objections as we want everyone to be in support of our plans.”

The Lidl store will employ 25 staff and it will open from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Councillor Freda Roberts, of the town council’s planning committee, said the council’s objection would be withdrawn.

She said: “It’s a much nicer plan.

“We were concerned about all of the cladding which was to go on the building which would make it look like an industrial estate.

“We feel that this is a very important site and it’s been run down for a long time and we feel that what goes on there should be nice.”

Hambleton planning officials are recommending approval of the scheme.