Discount retailer Lidl has been given planning permission to build a store in a green belt area just outside Ardee, after Louth councillors agreed by 21 votes to two to materially contravene the county development plan.
The section 140 motion was passed despite the concerns of the council's senior planner, who said it would go against both Government guidelines on retailing and the council's own strategy.
"We feel there is a public demand for competition and it will bring 40 jobs to the town," said Cllr Finan McCoy, who proposed the motion to contravene the county development plan to facilitate planning permission.
The application was made in the name of landowner Mr Vincent Matthews of Dromin, Dunleer, for the construction of the 1,743 square metre discount foodstore.
Planner Mr Gerry Duffy said the issue in relation to this application was the location and the impact it might have on the town, the traffic system and drainage.