Budget supermarket Lidl looks set to open a new store with the creation of up to 40 jobs.

The chain, which has shops across Cumbria, wants to demolish Fairfield Garage, Travis Perkins and WCF Pet and Equestrian in Cockermouth

The scheme is expected to be given the go-ahead by Allerdale council’s development panel next Tuesday after officers recommended approval

Lidl wants to build a replacement WCF shop alongside the planned 1,777 sq m Lidl store, which would be open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. Traffic access to the proposed development would be taken from Station Road, with a fourth exit added to the existing mini roundabout.

Delivery access will be from New Road to the north east of the site. There would be parking for 90 cars.

The original plans included a new pedestrian zebra crossing across Station Road.This has been removed at the request of highways officers who felt it would have a detrimental impact on traffic flow.

Instead they have asked that the developer should pay £41,500 towards pedestrian improvements elsewhere.

Two letters of representation have been submitted on behalf of Sainsbury’s, which is on the other side of the road.

They state that the proposed development would lead to congestion at the mini roundabout on Station Road and place additional pressure on car parking in the area.

They are concerned that the proposed access junction could impact on the safe and efficient flow of traffic.

Residents have sent four letters to the council, raising concerns about issues including traffic, noise and the design of the building.

Following concerns, the proposed opening hours and times for deliveries were reduced.

Planning officers have concluded that the scale of the proposal would not seriously affect the vitality and viability of Cockermouth town centre.

In a report, they said: “It would improve the range and choice of retail offer within the town and assist in alleviating the current deficiency of Lidl stores within this area of the country.

The merits of the development, the size and scale, and impact on the town centre and other stores and comparative sequential comparison with other sites has been evaluated within the submitted evidence.

“The scale, layout, massing and design of the development are considered to be acceptable and sympathetic with the location adjacent to Cockermouth Conservation Area.

“The proposal is considered to be an important retail investment to the town and its local economy without any substantial harm to the site or surroundings of its local environment.”

Lidl revealed its plans for a Cockermouth store in October and held a public drop-in event. Some residents questioned the need for another supermarket in the town, as well as raising concerns about parking.

Cockermouth currently has a Sainsbury’s supermarket opposite the planned Lidl site, Aldi on Low Road and Co-op on Station Street.

Cockermouth mayor Julie Laidlow owns Firns Home Hardware on Station Street. She said: “I have no objection to this. It’s a huge site and I think it will be good for the town. It will provide a bit more healthy competition and give people a bit more choice.”