Plans to open a new supermarket are hanging in the balance after council bosses delayed its decision.
Lidl is looking to open a new supermarket in the Co-op Store on Parsons Drive in Ryton, Gateshead.
And the supermarket's bosses say up to 40 new jobs could be created if it is given the go-ahead.
Gateshead Council's planning department has recommended for the plans to be approved with changes being made to the building.
The number of parking spaces would also be increased, going up from 89 to 107.
But the councillors delayed making a decision on the scheme, saying they needed to be sure it wouldn't harm the community.
Some residents are unhappy with the proposals and have sent 63 letters of objection to the council.
They have raised concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour, delivery hours and flooding.
Speaking against the scheme, ward councillor Chris Buckley said it would take jobs away from elderly and disabled people and cause noise nuisance.
"Residents that live nearby have a problem with noise from vehicles," he said.
"The noise in the area is made stronger by the topography, I'm surprised they [Lidl] want to annoy the residents like this.
"My ward is going to suffer environmental degradation just so Lidl can gain a foothold in the west of the borough.
"The staff who work at the Co-op are older or have physical limitations or learning disabilities.
"Co-op work with them to make the most of what they have to offer, most of those are not going to find work at the Lidl and would struggle to find work.
"The Co-op also supports community groups."
The committee also heard from a planning agent representing Lidl who claimed the supermarket had been working with local people to alleviate their concerns.
A planning document submitted to the council said the new store would create 40 jobs.
It said: "The proposed Lidl store would employ up to 40 staff in-store. Lidl has a policy of employing local people from all backgrounds to work in their stores.
"This allows for a short commute to work and for staff to potentially work at short notice."
The statement also said that during deliveries, it is company policy that vehicle engines are switched off to reduce noise and disturbance.
Council planners have backed the plans as long as the supermarket complies with a range of conditions.
These include not taking deliveries before 7am or after 10pm Monday to Saturday or before 8am or after 8pm on Sunday.
The supermarket would also be expected to install protective fencing to stop existing trees from being damaged.
Despite this Coun Lynne Caffrey, who represents Chopwell and Rowlands Gill, said more information was needed to decide the application.
"I would want to look at how the new arrangements would impact on local people," she added.
The committee agreed to defer a decision on the plans so they could get more information.
