PLANS to build a Lidl supermarket, a Home Bargains store and Starbucks drive-thru outlet which received an unprecedented amount of support from residents have been approved.

Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee rejected the findings of an independent study it commissioned which concluded the proposed Faverdale Industrial Estate stores could have a damaging impact on businesses in nearby Cockerton.

The meeting heard the study’s findings only represented “an educated professional guess” and the type of stores being planned contrasted with those in neighbouring areas.

Councillor Jon Clarke said the creation of 130 jobs, clear support from residents and the proposed brownfield site being cleared up at a cost of £1.2m were strong reasons to approve the scheme.

In addition, the developers have claimed the scheme would bring total private sector investment into the area of about £10m.

Cllr Clarke said West Park residents would benefit from extra amenities while the stores would help cut cross-town traffic, rather than add to congestion as some objectors had claimed. He said: “Coming from a retail background, customers do tend to shop in the same places and I can guarantee there are probably people over the West Park area now going to either Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland or cross town to shop in Lidl.

“We should be welcoming a top brand name. The discounters are taking over the country now with their offer for shopping.”

The meeting was told more than 120 residents had written to the council to highlight their support for the application, with many saying they wanted to be able to shop without having to travel to Cockerton, the town centre, Yarm Road or Morton Park.

However, after a lengthy debate, councillors remained divided, and a narrow majority passed the scheme, which is set to feature a 1,900sq m supermarket, 1,900sq m retail store, 24-hour coffee shop and 263 parking spaces, as some insisted there was potential for job losses and businesses closing as a result.

Councillor Gerald Lee said the development could impact on a Co-op store in Cockerton, which was regarded as an anchor for business in the area, and that could impact on the viability of other firms. He added: “Should those closures happen, there’s a reduction of Cockerton as a community hub.”