Essex County Council needs to consider steps to stop Lidl opening a new store off a main road in Brentwood, a councillor has said. 

Cllr David Kendall said he agrees with his borough colleague Cllr Barry Aspinell that while they fully support the supermarket giant coming to Brentwood, its chosen spot in Wates Way off Ongar Road is not the right one. 

That view is shared by Essex County Council highways, which is concerned the development of a food store and 46 flats would cause severe traffic disruption to the road traffic network. 

Brentwood Borough Council, advised by Essex County Council, had refused planning permission for the development on the basis that a four-stage traffic signalised junction, which it argued was necessary for highway safety reasons, would lead to an “unacceptable impact on the free flow of traffic along Ongar Road and Wilsons Corner”. 

But appeal inspector John Wilde discounted the need for the scheme, adding an alternative three-stage signalised junction would not give rise to an unacceptable impact on highway safety. 

The inspector went on to accept the developer’s case that, whilst the introduction of traffic signals in place of an existing mini-roundabout at the proposed site access would inevitably cause some delay, the impact of the development upon the network would not be severe. 

The Lib Dems are now asking Essex County Council to test that standpoint by at least considering launching a judicial review. 

Cllr David Kendall (Lib Dem, Pilgrims Hatch) said: “We would welcome Lidl to Brentwood. But we are questioning that particular location. We know what it’s like there now when you go down there.” 

Essex County Council warned in its submission to the planning application that the proposed traffic signal junction is likely to lead to both pedestrian safety issues and the potential for vehicle collisions in a congested area of Brentwood town centre. 

It added the impact of the proposed development and the main site access arrangements is likely to result in significant additional delays along Ongar Road and the surrounding highway network, including Wilson’s Corner. 

It also claimed Lidl has not adequately assessed the impact of the development and access arrangements on the wider network including Wilson’s Corner during the weekend peak period, which is expected to be one of the busiest times for traffic generation for the proposed store. 

Cllr Kendall added: “I certainly think Essex County Council should consider asking for a judicial review. 

“It was Essex County Council highways which raised these objections. They raised objections based on their concerns about traffic flows and everything else. 

“If those concerns were thrown out on appeal here it does make you wonder what could happen anywhere else. 

“I have never known the county council to put in such a strong case on a highways issue for a planning application. 

“They threw everything and the kitchen sink at it. Obviously, Essex Highways feel very strongly about it. 

“Whether Essex County Council wants to back that up with some sort of judicial review I don’t know. I think it certainly should be considered." 

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: “Although we continue to have concerns about the traffic impact of the development in Brentwood Town Centre and on whether the scheme is viable, highways issues are only one factor that has to be considered by the planning system. 

“On this occasion the inspector decided not to accept our concerns as being a reason to refuse planning permission.  Essex County Council has not been formally approached by Brentwood Borough Council to support it in a challenge to the High Court. Essex County Council cannot challenge every case where the inspector doesn’t agree with us.” 

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A Lidl spokesperson said: “Following our appeal and the inclusion of an updated highways plan, with an additional contribution that will go towards accessibility improvements and an enhanced bus stop, we are pleased that plans for a Lidl store in Brentwood have been approved.  

“Once opened, the new store will create new jobs for local people and provide residents with convenient access to Lidl’s high quality and affordable produce.  

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported the development so far and we look forward to providing further updates in due course.”