Plans for supermarket Lidl to open in Barnard Castle have taken a step closer to reality after plans for an alcohol licence were lodged.
The German discounter had an application to build a new store on the outskirts of the town approved by bosses at Durham County Council last month (January 23).
And now the chain is seeking an alcohol licence which would give it permission to sell booze from 7am – 11pm, seven days a week.
Planning bosses gave the go ahead to an ‘outline’ application for the shop to be built on the former site Addison Auctioneers, on Roman Road, but a second ‘detailed’ application will be needed before construction can begin.
At the time concerns were raised about the impact this could have on Morrisons, which has a store in the town centre, although the supermarket was also criticised for having a ‘near monopoly’ in Barnard Castle.
Members of the public have until Friday, February 28, to submit their thoughts on the latest proposals to the council’s licensing department.
