SUPERMARKET firm Lidl has reaffirmed its determination to win permission for a store in Malvern Link.

The announcement comes despite the fact that the company has advertised the former eurohaus site on Worcester Road for let, putting notices up last week.

The store chain, which has more than 200 outlets in the UK, previously applied to Malvern Hills District Council for planning permission to build a new store on the 1.5 acre garage site.

After acquiring the site in January last year from South Hereford Garages with an offer described as "too good to refuse", the company applied to build a 1,000 square feet store with parking for nearly 100 vehicles.

The plan was cautiously welcomed by nearby traders who hoped it would bring more shoppers to the Link.

However, local residents voiced strong objections when the application came to council in June, submitting a petition with more than 800 signatures and 75 letters of objection.

At that time planning officers recommended the application be refused, on the grounds that it would harm the Conservation Area and dominate its neighbours. There were also concerns over highway safety and the fact that mature lime trees on the pavement would be lost.

Lidl has indicated a strong intention to pursue its plan to put a supermarket on the site and will resubmit a new application, taking into consideration previous objections.

Questioned on its plans to let the site, a Lidl spokesman said: "This is a temporary letting while we deal with planning issues."