Two areas of land owned by Tesco in Kesgrave have been put up for sale to the public after talks to buy it for community use failed to reach a deal.
The Tesco store in Ropes Drive owns two plots of undeveloped land – one on either side of the store – which it originally announced it planned to sell in October 2015.
Kesgrave Town Council began talks with the retailer over potentially buying the land to use for the community, but those talks stalled after the town council began speaking with residents.
The land has now been formally put up for sale by Tesco through Essex-based property consultants Mark Liell.
A spokeswoman from Kesgrave Town Council said: “The town council was in discussion with Tesco for around two years regarding the two plots of land, which were being sold and marketed as a package.”
At the time discussions began, it is understood Tesco valued the land at around £300,000, but an independent valuation was commissioned by the town council.
Research was also carried out into highways considerations, previous planning history and other factors such as drainage.
The spokeswoman said: “The town council also engaged and consulted with local residents to establish the views and wishes of local people about the purchase of these pieces of land, given that loans would need to be applied for and this would mean an increase in council tax.
“However, there was insufficient interest and feedback from the electorate and councillors decided not to pursue the matter any further.”
Among ideas mooted were a community cafe or play area to benefit local residents.
With the land now having formally been put up for sale after talks with the council ceased, business or residential development could instead take place.
The retailer already owns the units along the Ropes Drive parade, which includes a cafe, charity shop, dry cleaners, hair salon and estate agents.
There are currently no existing planning consents for either space.
A spokeswoman from Tesco commented only to confirm that it intended to sell the land.
A spokesman from Mark Liell declined to comment.
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