A budget supermarket has won planning permission to build a second store in Borehamwood.

Councillors narrowly approved plans last night to construct a Lidl store in Elstree Way.

Lidl say the new store will be in addition to its existing store at Borehamwood Shopping Park and say its new scheme will create around 90 new jobs.

The supermarket will be built on the site of the former 6,320 sq metre Donatantonio warehouse – which was the scene of an illegal rave attended by hundreds in August and saw two people stabbed.

Read more: Two stabbed at illegal rave in Borehamwood

This warehouse is to be demolished and replaced with a Lidl store larger than the existing one at Borehamwood Shopping Park, as well as a new warehouse.

Lidl says the supermarket will bring in 40 jobs and the warehouse will provide employment for 50 people.

Lidl’s initial plans saw drivers access the 128-space car park from Elstree Way but after a planning officer at Hertsmere Borough Council raised concerns about the proposed new junction, Lidl has changed access to York Way.

Plans for a second Lidl in Borehamwood were withdrawn last year after the planning officer indicated the scheme would not be supported by the council – and even though Lidl returned with amendments, the officer recommended to the council’s planning committee last night that they refuse the Lidl application.

Previous story: Lidl not giving up on second store in Borehamwood

The officer’s main concern was the proposed site was in a designated employment area and pointed out the current local plan does not “envisage” this site for retail – indicating the site would be better suited as office, industrial, or larger warehouse space.

The application divided opinion amongst the councillors on the planning committee – with the scheme only just being passed by six votes to five.