LIDL has relaunched its bid to come to Ely – for the third time. The new application is on exactly the same site at Angel Drove – opposite Tesco – but with 12 extra car parking spaces. Planners and councillors rejected Lidl s plans for a 1,000square foo

LIDL has relaunched its bid to come to Ely - for the third time.

The new application is on exactly the same site at Angel Drove - opposite Tesco - but with 12 extra car parking spaces.

Planners and councillors rejected Lidl's plans for a 1,000square foot store back in May.

A majority of Tory councillors and planning officials agreed that four other locations, all on Lisle Lane, would be preferable as, according to planning regulations, they are on the edge of the town centre and less likely to harm city centre trade.

But Lidl, buoyed by support from the Liberal Democrats, has returned undaunted. They insist that the site, which would pick up on passing trade from Tesco, is the most commercially viable.

Wendy Hurst, Lidl's acquisitions manager told the Ely Standard "We were really disappointed with the result because it was such a close verdict and are hopeful for the future."

Ms Hurst thanked members of the public for their continued support.