PROPOSALS to build a second Lidl store in Carlisle have taken a step forward - despite continued flooding fears.

A reserved matters application for the site on Warwick Road, has detailed the “layout, scale, appearance, access and landscaping” after the outline application (19/0840) was approved by the city council’s Development Control Committee in January.

Concerns had previously been raised over the flood risk at the site.

John Kelsall, chair of the Carlisle Flood Action Group, said: “We submitted a response to the original application which was not very favourable; we did not think it was in the right place.

“We came to the conclusion that we can protect the floodplain areas but we cannot remove the risk completely as we saw between 2005 and 2015, with flood defences there is always going to be some level of risk.

“In general terms we developed a policy that we should not be building on floodplains even when there is protection.”

He said that another concern was that the water from outside the area of Warwick Road, from rainfall, would have nowhere to go and could have to be pumped into the river.
According to the planning statement: “The Lidl foodstore will extend 1,900sqm with a net sales area of 1,256sqm.

“There will be 124 car parking spaces including 12 disabled spaces, 13 parent and child spaces and two active electric vehicle charging spaces. the proposal will also include 10 cycle spaces.

“It is considered that the proposed foodstore will provide a contemporary building design that will complement and enhance the surrounding area.”

In January Botcherby and Harraby North councillors Robert Betton and Jack Paton addressed the planning committee.

Mr Betton said that some residents would welcome Lidl’s arrival on Warwick Road and it would meet a local need, but others remain deeply concerned that such a major building project would increase flood risks.

Warwick Road is one of the most flood-prone areas of the city, with a number of significant incidents over the past 20 years.

Mr Paton added: “Every time there is a major storm, people on Warwick Road live in fear.”
A flood risk report however has recommended a number of measures to mitigate risks posed by the River Petteril, River Eden, Old Eden and Durranhill Beck.” 

These include raising the finished floor 300mm above ground level and a drainage strategy.

For more information about the application, visit publicaccess.carlisle.gov.uk/online-applications and search for application number 21/0313.