A planning application for a 1,457-square-metre Lidl has been green-lit despite access fears.

After requiring multiple rounds of amendments and being deferred twice by the Three Rivers District Council planning committee, the proposal for the World of Water site, off the A41, was approved last night (March 14).

Since plans were first submitted in 2022, the sticking point had been concern over potential accidents turning into and out of the supermarket. This was again the main topic of discussion at the latest meeting but it was also highlighted that the process was “running out of road”.

The council proposed additional conditions but ultimately no councillors offered a reason to refuse the plan.

The planning officer recommendation to approve the supermarket was therefore voted through with the proposer and seconder “reluctantly” raising their hands while all others abstained.

Lidl first exchanged contracts on the site in 2022 but once it submitted its plans later that year Hertfordshire County Council raised “fundamental issues” over how cars would get to it, which required wide-ranging revisions.

Watford Observer: World of Water Aquatics, which would be demolished if plans go ahead.World of Water Aquatics, which would be demolished if plans go ahead. (Image: Google Maps)

The right-turn across the busy A41 dual carriageway was the key concern in terms of potential accidents.

The final arrangement was to reconfigure the existing way in to make the access road a minimum width of 7.3 metres until reaching the car parking area, and moving a pedestrian crossing so that a “ghost island” right turning lane could be created.

When it was assessed the county council's highways team removed its objections.

Despite this, the district council’s committee was still not convinced and it has carried out two site visits, asked Lidl to make further changes, and arranged an independent highways review since it was first asked to approve the application in November last year.

Watford Observer: The World of Water site, roundabout, and A41 from above.The World of Water site, roundabout, and A41 from above. (Image: Google Maps)

The applicant did not amend its plans at that stage and the review did not raise major issues that could justify refusal.

The budget supermarket would span 1,457-square-metres of commercial space (17 per cent larger than the existing building) and have a 98-space car park for staff and customers.

Solar panels would be installed on the flat roof and woodland planting would be carried out to screen the single-storey store off.