A new Subway sandwich shop looks set to be given the go-ahead in Hensingham

The popular chain is due to form part of the new 24-hour Spar and petrol station development on the corner of Main Street and Richmond Hill Road.

Two houses are set to be demolished to make way for parking as part of the plans.

Planning permission has already been given for the relocation of the existing Spar shop, including a new petrol station, and Copeland Council’s planning panel is expected to approve the addition of the Subway shop at a meeting next Wednesday.

The firm has not made public its timescale for the development – or how many new jobs it will create - although the planning permission will expire in three years. The existing Spar shop will remain open during the development, before being converted into two individual retail units and storage space.

In recommending that Copeland councillors approve the application, the council’s planning officials report: “The scheme is an acceptable proposal for the redevelopment of an existing commercial site, which will also provide two new retail units.

“The modern development will help to support the local community and represents a sustainable form of development.”

No objections have been raised to the expanded scheme, however a number were raised prior to the original scheme winning planning permission by those concerned about an increase in traffic on the busy Main Street.