COUNCILLORS are being asked to preserve the mining heritage of a former colliery community when considering plans for a new discount supermarket.

German retailer Lidl has submitted a planning application for a new store on land south of Boyd Street in Delves Lane, Consett.

The scheme involves knocking down the existing buildings to create the outlet and a car park for customers.

North-West Durham MP Laura Pidcock has written to Durham County Council asking for the archway, which led to the former Victory pit site to be protected with planning conditions.

She said: “I write to raise concerns over the planned development of a new Lidl store in Delves Lane.

“Whilst I welcome this development for the area and would happily support it, I feel there needs to be some guarantee that the cultural and historic heritage of the site is maintained.

“Delves Lane has a proud heritage of mining in the area, and, indeed, it began as a pit village with mines at Victory Pit and Crookhall providing large scale employment for the area.

“It would be a scandal if the archway that leads into the former mining site was removed. Not only would it be a loss of amazing architecture of the area but a loss of the history of Delves Lane.

“I request that if this planning application is approved there is a condition attached that the archway is maintained throughout the works and part of this new store.”

Steven Drabik, police architectural liaison officer with Durham Constabulary, said the crime risk assessment for the development was low, but has outlined some recommendations for the project, aimed at trying to stop groups of young people from gathering outside.

He said: “Enclosing the car park with a well thought out landscaping scheme will be important to prevent desire lines being created across it and to deter youths from congregating on an evening which has been an issue at the premises across the road.

“There are issues on the Hermiston Retail Park with boy racers creating nuisance after hours, the police are attempting to address this with enforcement action which may displace the problem to other sites.”

Durham County Council has confirmed Miss Pidcock’s letter has been received.

Case officers are currently working on a report to present to councillors at a future planning committee meeting at County Hall in Durham.

As part of its application Rapleys, on behalf of Lidl, said: “The applicants and their project team will continue to engage with the local community throughout the application process.”