ALMOST one hundred intrigued and concerned residents turned out to take a look at plans for a new supermarket on the edge of Kendal town centre.

Sainsbury’s and developer Morbaine held an exhibition on Sunday to present their plans for a new store on the Kendal Rugby Club Shap Road ground.

The plans, which have already been submitted to South Lakeland District Council, include a 50,000sq ft shop, a customer cafe, 502 new car parking spaces, a petrol station and the creation of 350 full and part-time jobs.

Planning permission for the rugby club’s relocation to Strawberry Fields, on Oxenholme Road, has already been granted.

Keith Nutter, director of planning at Morbaine, said the event generated mixed reaction.

“We had comments that Kendal doesn’t need a new food store, people wanting to talk about flooding issues and traffic, but we had positive views expressed as well, particularly about the club’s relocation.

“At the end of the day there is the spend in Kendal to support another food store and an inspector confirmed that there is the need for another. It’s just about where it is developed now.”

But Steve Hardiman, who has lived in the town for more than 20 years, was not happy.

He said: “I have been opposed from the start. How much choice do people need? We need to be supporting local businesses and their livelihoods.”

However, Martin Orrom said: “I was really reassured by the event. I was concerned about the flooding but was really pleased that the architect told me there would be no flooding in the area from the supermarket and the car park, even in a 100-year event.

“I was also concerned that the new rugby club building was quite large, but now realise it will not be so worrying to those living on the other side of the road.”

The plans could be discussed at April’s planning committee, but SLDC said they were still awaiting information.