Former factory could make way for supermarket

News imageGoogle Blue gates lead into the Katmex site in Seaham. There is a white building and a blue car parked on the side.Google
Katmex moved out of its Seaham site earlier this year

Former factory buildings could be demolished to make way for a supermarket.

Lidl is proposing to open a store with associated parking on Katmex's site on George Street in Seaham.

It has been empty since the steel parts manufacturer moved out earlier this year.

The development, on the edge of the town centre, would create 40 jobs, the applicants said. Durham County Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by 22 December.

The applicant said the scheme would "provide an opportunity to bring a prominent vacant site back into use" and enhance existing consumer choice in the area.

The proposed working hours for the store would be 08:00 to 22:00 Monday to Saturday and 10:00 to 16:00 on Sunday.

According to planning documents, Lidl undertook an "extensive pre-application consultation" and 95% of the 70 residents who responded supported the plans.

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