Planning application for Downham Market's Lidl been deferred

A planning application for a new supermarket in a West Norfolk town has been deferred for councillors to take more time to look at proposals.

West Norfolk Council gathered at a planning application meeting today, one of the matters being the erection of a Lidl supermarket in Downham.

The deferral is due to amendments which have been made to the proposal, including utilising an 'eco' store format.

If the application was discussed today, West Norfolk Council said that it could put itself at risk and decided to take legal advice to defer the application.

It comes after many residents in Downham have expressed their favour for the supermarket, which would be located on Bexwell Road, opposite McDonald's.

Downham Market town council voted in favour of building Lidl, and its vote acted as a recommendation to West Norfolk Council.

All councillors present voted in favour for the supermarket proposal to be deferred.

The agenda included had a statement from Cllr Alun (Tom) Ryves, which stated that he is now in favour of the supermarket being built.

Cllr Ryves said: "I apologise to all for the long journey I have undertaken to agree with the majority view and for the annoyance I have caused many by being inflexible in my understanding of the facts."

It is unknown when the planning application for Lidl will be discussed.