SUPERMARKET chain Lidl has named Dunfermline as one of the places on their ‘wish list’ of new store locations as it looks to expand its portfolio.

The ‘site requirements brochure’ released by the retailer this week highlights specific locations that are of particular interest within its ambitious growth plans across the UK.

It asks for landowners and commercial agents to get in touch with opportunities within these ‘wish list’ target areas.

Already in West Fife, Lidl are looking to build a store as part of plans to extend Halbeath Retail Park and also in Rosyth on Admiralty Road.

However, Lidl has not confirmed whether their interest in Dunfermline means they are also looking to build an additional third store in West Fife.

When the Press asked if they were looking for another site here, a spokesperson said that “all locations on the list are areas of interest and could be considered for a new Lidl store”.

The extension of the retail park includes an M&S Foodhall as well as a new Lidl superstore – it’s more than three years since approval was granted for it and as the Press reported in April, the lockdown has given the development extra time.

Planning permission was set to expire on August 3 if work hadn’t started on the extension, which includes nine new shops and promises more than 200 new jobs.

Work is yet to start and progress has been slow since councillors voted 6-5 in favour of the proposals in February 2017, despite planning officers recommending refusal and concerns that the extension would “kill the High Street” in Dunfermline.

In Rosyth, planning permission was granted by Fife Council in April 2018 for Lidl to build a store at Admiralty Road.

Lidl had previously told the Press at the start of 2020 that they hoped to be on site later in the year.

The proposals included flattening derelict pub The Yard and using the adjacent Rosyth FC football pitch to build their store and car park. The deal to bring Lidl to Rosyth has included the sale of part of Recreation Park, the home of Rosyth Football Club with plans for the football team to have a new pitch at the Fleet Grounds built, with changing rooms, fencing and parking. However, they have remained in limbo until Lidl’s plans materialise.

Lidl has said that the ‘wish list’ brochure is a document that they normally send to landowners and commercial agents to help them find sites for possible stores, and therefore lists all potential areas of interest.

A spokesperson said: “I can confirm that we are still committed to bringing a store to Rosyth, and look forward to sharing firm plans with the community as soon as we are in a position to do so.”

Royal London, which is responsible for the development that includes the Lidl store at Halbeath, said they did not have a comment to make when asked for an update on the project.