A CONTROVERSIAL proposal for a new supermarket to be built in Kendal is to be scuppered after 714 objections were raised.

A re-submission of a previously withdrawn application to build a new Co-op supermarket in the grounds of the Duke of Cumberland pub on Shap Road is to be recommended for refusal when the matter goes before South Lakeland District Council's Planning Committee on Thursday.

The plan was originally put forward in 2020, and withdrawn in September 2021, after the consultation period highlighted a series of problems.

The proposed development would take land from the car park of the Duke of Cumberland, and would have a footprint measuring 18.5 metres by 16.5 metres.

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It was re-submitted in March 2022, when the applicant, Punch Partnerships Limited, addressed a number of issues, including parking and highway provisions, which Cumbria County Council are now satisfied have been addressed sufficiently to recommend approval with conditions on that basis.

However, a key reason for refusal is that SLDC planning policy is that empty town centre units are occupied where possible, and the Planning Agenda said: "A number of retail properties that were of comparable size to that proposed in the application were quickly identified as being suitable in and
around Kendal town centre. 

"All the properties also had street frontages. 

All the identified properties are currently being advertised with commercial property agents and are listed on their websites as being available."

SLDC outlined its reasoning for refusal in its planning agenda: "In summary, the proposed development is unacceptable in principle when having regard to the sequential approaches to main town centre uses and flood risk.  

"The proposed development may give rise to some economic and social benefits. 

"For instance, through the generation of employment and providing a greater choice to the local community.

"Although, these are not presented by the applicant as providing any greater benefits than would apply to any retail development and would be limited by the scale of the proposal and lack of demonstrable need. 

"Therefore, these benefits attract limited weight and do not outweigh the harm identified.

"On this basis, the proposed development does not accord with the development plan taken as a whole and does not constitute sustainable development. 

"Therefore, as there are no material considerations that outweigh this finding, the recommendation is to refuse planning permission."

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