Budget supermarket giant Lidl has reaffirmed its interest in a second Sutton-in-Ashfield store after resubmitting plans for a new shop.
The German company wants to build its new store at the former Pretty Polly site on Mansfield Road, and has previously had planning permission granted on that land.
However, following a challenge from supermarkets and other local stores, it says it was forced to pull the plans - but that it has not given up on opening the supermarket.
Plans were approved for the store 12 months ago, with the aim to open it by last Christmas.
However, Lidl pulled the plug last summer in response to the challenge.
Bosses at the firm say the challenge was "disappointing", but that it has resubmitted its plans to provide "improved choice", new jobs and to 'revitalise' the historic tight factory site.
Dominic Bryan, regional head of property at Lidl, told Nottinghamshire Live : "In March 2019, Ashfield District Council’s planning committee voted to grant planning permission for our proposals for a brand new, modern Lidl store on the former Pretty Polly site in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
"Unfortunately, this has since been withdrawn following a subsequent challenge.
“This is not only disappointing for us but also for the many members of the local community who want a Lidl store for the area, and would have directly benefited from improved choice, new jobs and the revitalisation of a key local site.
"Our planning application will now go back to the committee and we very much hope that its members once again vote to grant planning permission.
"In the meantime, it is vital that anyone who wants to see this development happen writes to the council’s planning department to let them know."
Original plans for the Lidl store were rejected in 2017, however the retailer submitted revised plans for the £5m store in April 2018.
Lee Anderson, Ashfield's MP, was on the planning committee that approved the Lidl store when he was a councillor, and he has welcomed the move.
He said: "I sat on the planning committee that approved the original application and I voted in favour.
"Ideally as a brownfield site I would have liked to have seen houses built, but as the land has been derelict for many years it should be developed on.
"Recent events have proved what an important role supermarkets play in society.
"Other supermarkets should welcome extra competition, which will create more choice for shoppers and more jobs for residents."
