PLANS for a second Lidl store in Blackburn have been delayed.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning committee voted to defer a decision on permission for the proposed new store on Furthergate.

The firm has earmarked a historic garage site in Blackburn for its second town store, with blueprints drawn up for Fix Auto, formerly known as Gillibrands, which has been trading from the Furthergate Works since 1859.

A full planning application for the “multi-million pound investment” was lodged with Blackburn with Darwen Council in October.

And members had initially been recommended to approve the development at a town hall meeting.

But planning manager Gavin Prescott told councillors some unresolved highways issues meant the application should be deferred until the next meeting so Lidl could make further representations.

Previous concerns over a secondary exit to Cherry Street had been overcome but highways bosses were still not satisfied about the safety of vehicles turning right onto Furthergate at the St Clements Street junction.

The application will now be discussed at May’s planning and highways meeting, which could be moved if the UK takes part in upcoming European Parliament elections.

Lidl bosses say the new store would create 40 jobs.

Speaking shortly after the application was lodged, Nick Harvey, Lidl regional head of property, said: “We have received an incredible amount of support from the local community.

“If granted this would mark a multi-million pound investment, and the creation of new jobs when the store opens.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support and feedback so far and look forward to receiving the decision in due course.”

The plans include a large car park, in-store bakery and customer toilets.

Lidl already has a store in Whalley Banks in the town.