Bolsover: Council bosses ‘surprised’ at collapse of Morrisons deal

Morrisons originally bought the former Sherwood Lodge council office site from Bolsover Council with view to develop a 20,000sq ft store with a petrol station.

But after the council learned this month from a third party that the supermarket giant had put the Oxcroft Lane site on the open market, the land’s uncertain future has been met with mixed feelings by councillors, campaigners, traders and residents.

Bolsover Council leader, Coun Ann Syrett said: “We are extremely disappointed by this announcement. “

“We have all heard in the media that the big supermarkets are struggling and the last we heard from Morrisons on the store we were told they were reviewing all their development sites and that no decision had been made on Sherwood Lodge.”

“We are not sure what implications this has for the site, but we will be seeking to talk to Morrisons as soon as possible to clarify the situation and get the best possible outcome for the local community and town of Bolsover.”

The council selected Morrisons as its preferred bidder after negotiations began in 2011 and gave planning permission in 2012.

Morrisons bought the former council offices from the authority in September and the council moved to the Arc in Clowne.

Save Sherwood Green campaigners had objected to the proposal and existing traders raised concerns.

Bolsover newsagent, Chris Christopher, of Save Sherwood Green, said: “I feel disappointed more than anything. Obviously no development at all for Bolsover is not a good thing. We still don’t know what is going to happen for the traders. It’s been a long process and we are no further forward.”