CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a new supermarket behind a popular Kendal pub have been withdrawn.

The planning application to build a Co-op on the car park of the Duke of Cumberland pub were pulled by the developer, after a string of criticism from local residents and officials, including the leaseholders of the pub.

“I’m extremely pleased,” said Councillor Douglas Rathbone, chair of Kendal Town Council’s planning committee.

“Pleased that our comments and the comments of hundreds of local people who made their views known on the SLDC portal were taken into account.

“And that the applicants realised that there was such a large amount of local opposition.”

Over 300 objections were submitted to the application on the SLDC portal, as well as a paper petition garnering in excess of 400 signatures.

The plans were submitted in late June, by Punch Partnership Limited, who have not commented on the withdrawal.

Cllr Rathbone said he had not seen any official reasons as of yet about the reasons for the application’s withdrawal.

MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron said: “I’m relieved that the developer has withdrawn this application.

“These plans would have had a detrimental effect on traffic congestion, pedestrian safety and also would threaten the business of local shops nearby like Burrells Newsagent and Sandylands Spar.

“I want to thank local residents and local Liberal Democrat councillor Eamonn Hennessy for campaigning to have these plans withdrawn.”

Councillor Eamonn Hennessy, who represents Kendal East which encompasses Sandylands, had raised his concerns countless times in the fight to prevent the plans, which he had previously dubbed as ‘not in keeping’ with the council’s plans to improve emission levels.

Amongst concerns were the issues of increased pollution and traffic the new supermarket would bring to the notoriously congested area of Kendal, as well as the impact on small local businesses.

Councillor Hennessy said: “While it’s good news that the application for now has been withdrawn, I’m wary that it could still be resubmitted in the future with amendments to try to get the plans approved. As a local community we’ll be ready, fighting to protect existing local businesses, and ensuring safety issues are not ignored.”