A Low Lane resident is concerned that yobs will cause mayhem if Lidl is awarded a booze licence.

A licensing hearing is scheduled for the German supermarket chain next week, less than three weeks after planning permission for the site was refused. The store wants to open as part of a controversial new retail development on an empty field on Low Lane, near where the road crosses the A174

If the plans had been given the green light, nine new units would have sprung up including a Lidl, a drive-thru, and a variety store that could have been a Home Bargains or B&M. However, at the start of this month, councillors voted unanimously against the proposals at the planning committee.

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Developer ML Retail could try to appeal the council’s decision with the Planning Inspectorate so the development might still go ahead. Lidl will now make its case in front of councillors for a booze licence to serve alcohol from 7am to 11pm daily.

Four objections have been raised during the licensing process. One resident is opposed because they think the new supermarket would bring “yobs to the area to buy booze and cause mayhem”. While another believes the discount retailer promotes an unsafe and unhealthy drinking culture.

At the committee meeting earlier this month, council officers raised concerns that the new development will negatively impact the planned investment in the Coulby Newham District Centre, which includes the Parkway Centre, and the shops proposed as part of the Stainsby Country Park masterplan.

Councillors raised their fears about increased cars and lorries on the nearby roads. Independent Cllr Joan McTigue claimed the scheme would make the traffic in the area “absolutely horrendous”.

Middlesbrough Independent Group councillor Carolyn Dodds, who represents Trimdon ward where the development is proposed, was also against the proposals. She said: “I do think the transport situation would be diabolical. The people in the new builds want somewhere they can walk to the shops.”

She went on to add: “The shopping precinct that will hopefully be built (as part of the Stainsby masterplan) will serve the people that live there. They won’t need to endanger their lives crossing that busy road. It is a total danger.”

Property company Savills’ Brad Wiseman, on behalf of the developer, claimed the council was sent more information about contributions for highways mitigation schemes and sustainable transport infrastructure which he did not feel were reflected.

However, the traffic considerations will not be a factor for the licensing committee. It will make its decision based on the licensing objectives, which include the prevention of crime, disorder and public nuisance, public safety and protecting children from harm.

A letter submitted as part of the licensing process by Lidl states: “We are experienced at operating stores in a variety of locations including city centres, shopping centres and retail developments, and including premises operating in areas with problem street drinkers, thefts and antisocial behaviour.

“We have been praised by many police forces for the way that we operate and the good relationships that we build with them and other enforcement agencies.”

After consultation with Cleveland Police, Lidl has agreed to ensure no open drinks are taken out of the store, staff will be fully trained on the laws surrounding underage alcohol sales, and a Challenge 25 policy will be implemented.

A CCTV system will be installed and no beer or cider stronger than 6.5% will be sold. However, it has said it is “reluctant” to use a log book to monitor refusals as it believes it can actually lead to fewer ID challenges.

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