A controversial bid to build a superstore in Norwich has been handed a boost, after highways bosses signalled they would not object so long as 'minor changes' are made.

Discount supermarket Lidl wants to build the store in Bishop Bridge Road, close to Kett's Hill roundabout.

Plans were originally lodged in 2014, but ran into opposition because of concerns it would add to more traffic on Ketts Hill and Riverside Road.

The store recently submitted revised plans to Norwich City Council, but that has also sparked more than 20 objections from people living nearby. They raised particular concerns over congestion on days when Norwich City are at home.

However, Norfolk County Council – the highways authority – has responded to consultation to say, with some modifications, it would not object to the scheme.

Liz Poole, from Norfolk County Council, said the highway network, while busy, is 'not at its peak in terms of traffic flow' on Saturdays.

Latest plans would see traffic only able to enter the site by turning left from Bishop Bridge Road and able to leave the site in either direction.

Ms Poole said: 'Whilst the highways authority would still prefer to see a left in off Bishop Bridge Road and a left out onto Ketts Hill, it is appreciated that this would be detrimental to the site layout and cannot be achieved.

'So, although the proposed access is not ideal, the highways authority considers that it will operate satisfactorily.'

Meanwhile, Lidl says its own postal survey showed more than 76pc of people who replied supported the proposed new store. Just under 850 people filled in the survey.

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