CITY planners have given the thumbs up to a new superpub in the centre of Lancaster.

Pub chain JD Wetherspoons, who have public houses in Preston and Manchester, plan to open on North Road as part of a multi-million development incorporating JJB Sports.

At a planning committee meeting this week, planners claimed that the form of the development makes a positive contribution to the character of this area of the city centre. The proposal will remove an unsightly area of open land and screen the rear of the properties on North Road and Lower Church Street.

The spokesman added: "I am aware of the members concern over the numbers of public houses in the area however impact on trade is not an issue that can be addressed via the planning system."

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