Hunton Bridge Lidl plans to be considered again next week

A planning application for the World of Water site, off the A41, appeared set to be approved in November after Three Rivers District Council planning officers recommended that outcome.

However, the decision was ultimately deferred by the planning committee as they still had “fundamental concerns” over how the 1,457-square-metre supermarket would be accessed — in terms of safety, parking and traffic levels.

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World of Water Aquatics, which would be demolished if plans go ahead. (Image: Google Maps)

The council wanted more detailed discussions around the site's right turn and potential fences to stop parking on grass verges, as well as an independent highways review, site visit, and opportunity for Lidl to amend access.

Ultimately, the applicant has not made any changes, but the results of the review and further discussions are in ahead of the proposal being considered again next Thursday (February 22).

The World of Water site, roundabout, and A41 from above. (Image: Google Maps)The right-turn across the busy A41 is key to the committee’s concerns. The latest arrangements involve reconfiguring the existing way in so that the access road is a minimum width of 7.3 metres until reaching the car parking area, and moving a pedestrian crossing so that a “ghost island” right turning lane can be created.