AMBLESIDE is to get its fourth supermarket after Sainsbury's was today given the go ahead to build a store on the outskirts of the town.

The supermarket giants received planning permission to build a 14,000sqft site off Lake Road, near Hayes Garden World.

Opinion had been divided over the plan with fears raised over the impact on local retailers, traffic, landscape and flood risk.

However it also received widespread approval with 171 letters of support against 71 letters of objection. 

A meeting of the Lake District National Park Authority’s development control committee heard that the store is predicted to lead to a reduction of town centre trading by five per cent.

Bob May, who was speaking on behalf of Sainsbury’s, said the development would create the equivalent of 60 full-time jobs.

There were objections from Lakes Parish Council, Ambleside Civic Trust and Friends of the Lake District while Cumbria County Council’s Highways raised no concerns. Committee members debated for around 30 minutes before following their officer’s recommendation to approve subject to conditions.

Afterwards, Sainsbury's issued a statement.

Sue Smales, Sainsbury's town planning Manager, said: "We are delighted with the decision that the Lake District National Park Authority has made today.

"This store will ensure that people living in the local area no longer have to travel further afield to do their shopping and will create up to 100 full and part-time jobs for local people.

"We've worked very hard to design a store that is in keeping with the local area and we believe it will become an important part of the local community.

"We will keep everyone updated as the project moves forward. I would like to thank all supporters who have helped to make this happen."

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Andrew Dewhurst, of joint applicant Maple Grove Developments, said: “The Lake District National Park Authority’s decision to approve this application is fantastic news for Ambleside.

"In the last few months we’ve worked very hard to make sure that this new Sainsbury’s will be right for the local area, and it’s great that today we’ve been given the go-ahead.

"I’d like to thank all members of the community who participated in the consultation process; the feedback we received was invaluable in making sure that our plans met the needs of local people."