A SUPERMARKET giant has confirmed it remains committed to a south Essex town after a new store was dropped from controversial proposals to build 130 homes on the green belt.

Property firm MScott resubmitted its plans last week to Basildon Council to build the new homes on open space off London Road in Billericay - but the new designs have entirely removed a previously proposed Lidl supermarket.

Pierre Fansworth, director at MScott, confirmed that the number of proposed homes for the site is staying the same but, following responses from residents, the Lidl has been scrapped.

The original plans showed how the new Lidl store would include 129 parking spaces including accessible, parent and child and electric vehicle charging bays alongside secured covered cycle storage

The firm has since confirmed to the Echo it continues to explore options and remains committed to delivering its first store in Billericay.

 

Currently, the nearest Lidl supermarket to the town is in Manor Road, Laindon.

This confirmation comes after Aldi revealed it is opening its first supermarket in Billericay by the end of 2025.

It initially unveiled plans in 2022 to refurbish the current Co-op in Queens Park Avenue, however these plans are now moving forward with a fresh application submitted last month.