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Lidl plans new supermarket on site once owned by Sainsbury's

Lidl want to build a new multi-million pound supermarket on land left empty after Sainsbury's scrapped plans for its own store.

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Lidl revealed artist impressions of how its store would look in Old Walsall Road, Hamstead, near Great Barr

Sainsbury's axed long-standing proposals for its store in Old Walsall Road, Hamstead, near Great Barr.

Up to 200 jobs would have been created by the supermarket which secured planning permission in 2013.

The cleared former GKN works which will be transformed for the Lidl supermarket

But the retail giant revealed two years later the plans were "under review" due to changes in the grocery market.

Sainsbury's confirmed that it was no longer pursuing the plans as Lidl tabled its own proposal to Birmingham City Council planners.

Around 20 jobs will be created by the new Lidl on the former GKN factory site after it bought the land from Sainsbury's.

The bigger shop will replace its existing supermarket less than a mile away, also on Old Walsall Road, in Hamstead Village.

Lidl revealed artist impressions of how its store would look in Old Walsall Road, Hamstead, near Great Barr

The shop will feature a solar panelled roof, an instore bakery, and a 141-space car park with two electric vehicle charging points.

Lidl GB’s regional head of property, Jeremy Lee, said: "If granted this would mark a multi-million pound investment in the area, and the creation of new jobs when the store opens.

"We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support and feedback so far and look forward to receiving the decision in due course.”

The site was once occupied by car parts manufacturer GKN Driveline.

Lidl revealed artist impressions of how its store would look in Old Walsall Road, Hamstead, near Great Barr

The former factory closed in 2009.

Bosses at the time said it would cost £1.5 million to keep the factory up to date.

Sainsbury's had originally faced opposition from some councillors who said the authority would be forfeiting good industrial land.

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