Discount supermarket giant Lidl has insisted that it has not given up on trying to develop a site in Ponteland into a new store.

A planning application and a separate premises license application for a proposed store on the site of the former Lane Nurseries, off Callerton Lane, submitted earlier this year were both withdrawn.

It then came forward with a bid to demolish existing structures on the site, including dwellings and greenhouses, to help with preparation for the potential supermarket.

But it has now emerged that this application was withdrawn earlier this week.

How Lidl envisaged the store in Ponteland would look in its planning application that was withdrawn.

placeholder image — How Lidl envisaged the store in Ponteland would look in its planning application that was withdrawn.

In a new statement issued this week, a Lidl GB spokesperson said: “We’d like to assure residents that we remain fully committed to delivering a new Lidl foodstore for Ponteland.

“A new planning application for the site will be prepared and we will update the local community soon.”

Ponteland Town Council and a number of Ponteland residents raised concerns with the county council in response to the previous proposals.

Adam Shanley’s objection to Lidl’s premises license application said: “My particular concern is that the location of the premises sits adjacent to the Athol House retirement and care accommodation.

“Athol House accommodates older and potentially vulnerable residents – for whom noise, disturbance, headlights, car door slamming, trolley noise and prolonged evening activity may have an especially harmful impact.”

However, whilst fewer than the number of objections, there were a significant number of letters submitted in support of the previous proposals.

One of the people backing the bid said: “I very much support having the opportunity to purchase reasonably priced food and other items without having to pay premium prices.”