A RETAILER'S bid to open a discount superstore in Petersfield may be scuppered by councillors and conditions.

Petersfield Town Council has objected to plans to convert the former Focus DIY store into a Lidl and Majestic Wine outlet.

They insist that a condition forbidding the sale of food and alcohol on the Station Road site should not be lifted for the sake of the town.

Councillors agreed on Tuesday to oppose the removal of the condition and the conversion of the building into two retail units.

They added that other potential uses for the building should be explored, with housing being suggested for the abandoned site.

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) imposed a list of conditions on Focus in 2010 after the defunct retailer asked to change a legal agreement.

Clause 17 states that the retail premises shall not be used for the sale of food, clothing, shoes, toys, books, perfumes, tobacco, alcohol and other items found in supermarkets without consent of the planning authority.

The condition says the reason is in the interest of protecting the vitality and viability of the town centre of Petersfield.

Town councillors want to keep the status quo as they believe either retailer could damage town centre trade.

However, the final decision will be made by district councillors on behalf of the South Downs National Park Authority later this summer.