Upmarket department store John Lewis has delayed making a final decision on whether to open a major new branch at the Merry Hill centre until next summer, it has emerged.

Bosses from the firm started negotiations with Merry Hill owners Westfield to take up a patch of land on the Embankment, opposite the Copthorne Hotel earlier this year but since then there have been no further announcements from the retail giant or shopping complex.

And it is has now been revealed nothing is now likely to be finalised until Dudley Council’s area action plan for Brierley Hill is adopted in Summer 2009.

The action plan is expected to outline details such as the number of new retail developments allowed in the area and is likely to influence the decision on whether John Lewis presses ahead with its plans.

Malcolm Evans, Westfield spokesman, said: “Negotiations are continuing but nothing is likely to be finalised until at least next summer when the area action plan for Brierley Hill is adopted.

“This will define details such as how much retail development is allowed in the area and will enable an informed decision to be made on whether or not we can make progress.”

If John Lewis does come to Merry Hill it would be a massive boost for the centre and would also create a number of jobs.

Business leaders in Birmingham have been attempting to secure a John Lewis in the city centre for years, which the firm has resisted due to its presence in nearby Solihull.

Peter Mathews, Black Country Chamber of Commerce president, has said successful resolution of negotiations with store bosses would be a feather in the cap of the region’s retail industry. “A John Lewis store at the Merry Hill would raise the profile and status of the centre no end,” he said.

“Not only is it great news for shoppers all over the region, but it will also bring a significant number of jobs.

“There is already competition between Merry Hill and rivals such as the Bullring in Birmingham, but to secure a prestigious name like John Lewis would be a massive coup.”