THE Co-op has been given the go-ahead to challenge the decisions to grant permission for two new supermarkets in the Forest.

A judicial review of the decision by the Forest of Dean District Council to give the permission for an Aldi store in Coleford was given the green light at a court hearing on Tuesday, March 14.

It comes as the council was informed that the Co-op has been given permission to challenge the permission for a new supermarket at Steam Mills, near Cinderford.

The council says it will defend the challenges by the Midcounties Co-operative and is confident that it followed the correct procedures.

A judicial review of the permission for an Aldi store at Tufthorn Avenue will take place on Tuesday, June 20 with the court location yet to be confirmed.

District council leader Patrick Molyneux (Con, Woolaston and Hewelsfield) said: “We are obviously disappointed that Midcounties Co-operative has decided to challenge the permissions, but we remain confident with the decisions made and will continue to robustly defend our position.”