A SUPERMARKET has been given the green light to build a store on the site of an historic hotel.

Council chiefs approved the plans by agent Chris Smith for the Lidl store and also 40 retirement apartments and car parking after the demolition of the Pines Hotel on Preston Road in Clayton-le-Woods.

The venue, which was popular for weddings, parties and school proms over the years, closed down in February last year.

The 35-bedroom hotel has been empty since then with gates closed on the site.

Lidl UK’s regional head of property, Stuart Jardine, said: “We could not be more delighted to have received planning permission, and look forward to getting started on construction.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their continued support, and very much look forward to opening our doors and offering our fresh, quality, great value products in the not too distant future.”

Cllr Alan Cullens, who represents the Clayton-le-Woods ward, believes that it will be a positive move for the area.

He said: “I welcome the news and jobs it will create from both a business coming here but they will be employing local people which is very positive.

“I know the development in itself is good with the difficulties of the Pines Hotel and that it was not sustainable.

“But I am concerned about the issue of traffic - not the volume but from a safety aspect.

“I don’t think Lidl and the retirement apartments will be the problem, it is people turning across the main road and two lanes of traffic.”

Chorley Council’s Development Control Committee approved the plans after 124 people contacted the authority.

some 73 of the responses were in favour of the proposed scheme while 55 objected.