TESCO has launched an appeal against a decision which saw plans for a store in Tattershall rejected.

The supermarket giant has appealed to the planning inspectorate after East Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee refused the Blacksmith's Corner application in April.

The supermarket chain wants to turn the coachbuilders currently on the site into a food store as well as building a two-storey property on the site.

The store would have a 114 space car park.

The application was refused after the committee heard objections about how the application would see the number of car parking spaces in the Market Place reduce from 13 to just five, and the negative effect this would have on other businesses in this area.

While the appeals process continues, Tesco will also be speaking with the council to see if there is a way forward without the need of the appeal process by resubmitting revised plans.

Nick Gallatly, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said: "We were naturally very disappointed with the council's decision and think we have a very strong case at appeal, given we had a positive recommendation from the council's own officers.

"However, this will be a costly and time consuming process for all parties so we would like to work a way through this with the council to see whether revisions to the scheme can address concerns raised by members.

"We hope that East Lindsey District Council is willing to work with us to resolve these issues before the appeal is heard."

If the store gets the go-ahead, 130 new jobs would be created.

Mr Gallatly added: "One of the key principles behind the development has always been to keep the many shoppers in Tattershall who are currently travelling elsewhere to do their main food shopping."

A spokesman from ELDC said the application was refused based on its planning merits.

He said: "We would be happy to speak to Tesco in relation to the application to see if a more suitable proposal could come forward addressing the reasons why it was refused."

An inquiry is expected to take place in September and a decision is expected to be made by the end of the year.