AROUND 40 full and part-time jobs will be created following the construction of a new Lidl supermarket within a major housing estate.

Plans for the supermarket to be built on Blair Avenue in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, were approved by the council on Thursday despite several objections.

The site, which will feature a 1,256 square metre sales area, instore bakery, customer toilets and additional parking, is expected to create dozens of vacancies following its completion next year.

David Murphy, regional head of property at Lidl, said: “We could not be more delighted to have received planning permission, and look forward to getting started on construction.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their continued support, and very much look forward to opening our doors and offering our fresh, quality, great value products in the not too distant future.”

On Thursday, the development was formally approved by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, despite a number of opposing residents.

One resident of the nearby Snowdon Grove, criticised supermarket bosses for the construction of the site which lies 'opposite' Myton Park Primary School.

The resident claimed the traffic in the area was 'horrendous' and raised concerns over increased risks of 'pedestrian collisions' at school time. 

Another opposing resident of the same street, said a 'supermarket, residential home, lesiure centre and two schools in such a small area' was 'too much' for the existing estate.

Plans for the supermarket were first revealed last year, following Lidl's expansion plan to build additional stores across the country.

The firm already operates more than 750 stores, but said it hoped to build up to 50 new stores each year.

A spokesperson from Lidl said construction was expected to begin over the next few months, in time for an official open date next summer.