A decision on plans for a new Lidl in the city has been delayed – after two rival supermarket chains made last-minute objections to the development.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's planning committee was due to consider a proposal on Wednesday (August 23) for a new branch of the discount supermarket on land off Weston Coyney Road.

But instead members agreed to defer their decision after being told that Tesco and Co-op had put forward "late detailed objections" to the application. A request was made for more time to consider and respond to the submissions, which had raised planning issues as well as "the unacceptable retail trading impact on Longton town centre".

Councillor Dave Evans said: "If it is procedural I think it's really important we defer it until we have dotted the Is and crossed the Ts."

Councillor Andy Platt said: "I don't think we are in a position to make a decision – any response to this objection has to be fully analysed."

Councillor Ross Irving, who represents the Meir Hay North, Parkhall and Weston Coyney ward, hit out at the "eleventh hour" submission however. He said: "I have no objection to the decision for deferment but there is the effect it has on the local community.

"Most people in the area knew it was due to come to the planning committee this morning and are anticipating a decision. This has been ongoing now for well over six months – people in the area will be disappointed a decision hasn't been able to be made today."

The application from German retail giant Lidl was recommended for approval by planning officers ahead of Wednesday's meeting. A report to the planning committee said: "The proposed scheme will result in an out-of-centre retail development if approved and this is something that the current Core Strategy makes no provision for; however, officers are of the view that the application can be supported in this instance despite the identified conflict with the development plan.

"The broadly rectangular site consists of brownfield land and lies to the north of Weston Coyney Road. The proposed store has a gross internal area of 1,901sqm with a net sales area of 1,251sqm."

As well as the objections from Tesco and Co-op, there were more than 35 other comments submitted to the council, some in favour of the new store and others against.

Supporters of the proposal welcomed the creation of jobs and said the development would allow residents to access a new retail offering. But objectors said it was an inappropriate location for a new shop and would be harmful to other local retailers, as well as generating too much traffic.

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