A CONTROVERSIAL plan to demolish an Audenshaw restaurant and replace it with a supermarket is a step closer to becoming a reality.
But councillors say they support the owners of The Pearl as they look to remain in business.
Lidl has made moves to take over the Manchester Road site, close to The Trough junction, when the current lease ends in 2029.
Now Tameside Council has given the go ahead to a prior approval application to demolish the current structure.
That does not mean a supermarket will be built there – that will require a separate full planning permission.
Lidl’s proposal reads: “Lidl GB would like to deliver a new, modern discount foodstore at The Pearl Indian restaurant site off Manchester Road in Audenshaw.
“A new Lidl foodstore at this site would increase shopping choice, provide Lidl’s affordable and high-quality products, and create up to 40 new local jobs.
“The Pearl restaurant’s lease will end in 2029. Lidl is therefore proposing an outline planning application to agree site access, landscaping and layout.”
However, Cllrs Teresa Smith and Nick Axford have come out against the proposal.
They said: “As we have previously stated, we will be opposing these plans when they are put forward, on the basis of the impact of The Pearl, the impact on local traffic on Manchester and the impact on local residents.
“The Planning Officers are aware of these concerns, and that this is being proposed for an area not within a defined town centre.
“We have spoken to The Pearl regarding their plans, they have stated that they wish to remain in business at this site, and we will be supporting them in this.”