Updated plans for a new Lidl are being assessed after the initial proposals sparked major concerns over safety and traffic.

The budget supermarket submitted plans in October for the World of Water site in Watford Road, near Hunton Bridge, but Hertfordshire County Council responded by highlighting “fundamental issues”.

Its submission detailed over a dozen problems with access alone – including highway layout, having no clearly identified route into the store on foot, and uncertainty over visibility at the access junction.

HCC’s statement concludes: “This response has identified fundamental issues with the access layout and insufficient supporting information to demonstrate that the development may be accommodated on the highway network.

Watford Observer: A stock image of a Lidl store. Credit: PAA stock image of a Lidl store. Credit: PA

“As such, this leads to concerns with respect to highway safety, sustainability and how pedestrians and cyclists may be safely accommodated given the proposed changes to the access layout.”

It goes on to recommend not granting planning permission.

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However, Lidl has since submitted more documentation to allay the concerns.

A HCC spokesperson told the Watford Observer: “We are currently reviewing additional information, including a detailed engineering drawing of the proposed amended site access provided by the transport consultant, and we will be providing a reply back to Three Rivers District Council by March 22.”

Major applications generally must be assessed within 13 weeks, but complexities make agreeing a longer determination period common.

This “extension of time” has not yet been sought for the Lidl plans, but is likely to be, the Watford Observer understands.

If approved, the store would take up 1,457 square metres of commercial space – 17% more than the existing building – and come with a 98-space car park for customers and employees.

A Watford Observer poll last March on whether readers wanted a Lidl at the site, based on nearly 300 responses, finished 50-50.

Some branded the plans “ridiculous” and “an accident waiting to happen”, while others said they were “over the moon”.

Councillor Sara Bedford previously said: “Whilst a Lidl supermarket will be attractive to many residents, I’m very concerned about an increased number of vehicles turning right in either direction across the busy A41.”