MAJOR regeneration of south Felixstowe took another step forward today after approval was given for a multi-million pound new supermarket.

Richard Cornwell

MAJOR regeneration of south Felixstowe took another step forward today after approval was given for a multi-million pound new supermarket.

Councillors approved the project despite being urged by their expert planning officers to reject it.

Officers said the Lidl store would be piecemeal development, against policy, and fail to improve the quality and character of the area as it would be dominated by a large car park.

They wanted the site to include the shipping office next door and council car park with a scheme involving quality housing and affordable homes and several small shops.

But many people believed this was unrealistic and it would take years to assemble the site when Lidl are offering the prospect of a start now.

Campaigner and former councillor Pat Loveday, of Arwela Road, Felixstowe, said today: “The councillors have made a wonderful decision - everyone is thrilled.

“It's like a dream come true.

“We have been waiting 21 years for something new in this area and this will really help the community.

“There are so many people in this area without cars and it is a long way to go to the town centre to the shops.”

Suffolk Coastal District Council's south area development control sub committee felt the scheme would give the area “a lift” and kick start its regeneration, removing the eyesore bus station building.

The two-acre site off the Ordnance roundabout at the junction of Langer Road and Garrison Lane will be used for a 1,400 sq metre store plus 100-space car park.

The site includes the former newsagents and fish and chip shop alongside, and the council depot behind.

What do you think of the proposal for a Lidl supermarket on the site? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk