A SUPERMARKET is 'delighted' to have permission to extend its present store.

But Morrison's, which won approval after a lengthy council debate, must resolve as many of the objections raised as possible.

The store in Chester Road, Whitby applied to borough plan-ners to demolish two dwellings, extend the existing shop and car park and alter present access.

The scheme which will create 90 new jobs was unanimously approved by councillors. It will increase the shop's floor space and create more parking, a customer cafe, display and sales areas, store entrance and a kiosk.

Planning officers received more than 40 objections and two letters in support.

Objections included 24-hour deliveries, car parking next to Castle Drive, using Oak Grove for delivery lorries, fencing, the perceived devaluation of properties, and increased traffic and congestion.

Our Lady's junior and Catholic High schools expressed concerns over the safety of children as the car park will be next to their playing fields.

Borough councillor Peter Robson claimed Pooltown ward residents felt 'left out' of the planning process and suggested more consultation as he believes the extensions would be 'detrimental' to their lifestyle.

But borough planning chief Tom Miller said Morrison's wrote to people telling them what was happening at the start, and there had then been 'the usual consultations'.

For Morrison's, Robert Haswell said the council planners had been studying the proposals for six months and several changes had been requested.

'We believe we have met all the issues they have raised,' he said, adding: 'It would have the appearance of a brand new store, of which Whitby can be proud.'

Planning committee chairman Mark Henesy said: 'It is in Morrison's interest to accommodate as many of the concerns as possible through negotiation. I urge them to do so.'

A Morrison's spokesman said store chiefs were 'delighted' to have won permission.

Last year they were refused permission to build a superstore on land next to West Cheshire College in Regent Street and build houses on the Whitby site.