Lidl plans on Knaresborough's Chain Lane recommended for approval

The proposal to build a two-store foodstore with more than 150 parking spaces has been met with opposition from residents around the Chain Lane site.

34 letters of objection have been received, raising issues over the size and appearance of the building, the impact on traffic in the area and noise pollution generated by the store.

But now, the application case officer has recommended the plans for approval when they go to Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee on November 22.

Knaresborough Town Council (KTC) supported residents concerns over the appearance of the building, which Lidl claimed would have to follow their design concept.

In its objection, KTC stated: "This particular part of Knaresborough is residential in a historic market town. The design should be something specific for Knaresborough and not a stock store. The new building needs to be positive to the surroundings."

The recommendation for approval is subject to a number of conditions including that deliveries to the store can only be made between 8am-9pm Monday - Saturday and 9am-5pm Sunday.

The town already has a Lidl store in Knaresborough on York Road, but the global retail chain has claimed the store is ‘very popular’ and is ‘too small’ to meet its customers growing needs.