A CONTROVERSIAL supermarket is a step closer to being constructed, despite advice that plans should be refused.

West Berkshire District Councillors went against the planning officer’s recommendation to refuse planning permission to build a new Lidl store in Tadley.

The officers guidance came after the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) had a holding objection over the application, which sought to build the store on land at Ravenswing Farm adjoining Aldermaston Road and Silchester Road.

The ONR had raised concerns about the proposed sites proximity to the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) and that there was not a satisfactory emergency plan in the event of a nuclear disaster put in place.

However, on Wednesday, December 4 at the West Berkshire Eastern Area Planning Committee meeting councillors said that the pre-condition that was put to them was an acceptable emergency plan would be developed.

Despite this a number of councillors aired their frustrations that an adequate emergency plan hadn’t been developed in time for the meeting, before weighing up the pros and cons of building the discount store.

The plans have caused a split amongst the Tadley community with some residents saying they are in support of it, with others objecting to the proposals.

One of the main issues surrounding the concerns for the new store were the access points, and West Berkshire planning officers had ordinally recommended the plans for refusal on the basis that it would damage the countryside and affect the character of the landscape.

A decision will now be made by the West Berkshire District Planning Committee who will make the choice as to whether to approve the plans.

For more information on the application visit publicaccess.westberks.gov.uk and search for the reference 19/01063/COMIND.