BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) — A nearly 7-year-old plan to nearly double the size of a Wal-Mart in Bennington, Vt., has cleared a hurdle.

The Bennington Banner reports (http://bit.ly/11ZoVaF) a tentative deal has been reached in which opposition groups will drop their appeal of permits.

The Vermont Natural Resources Council and a citizens’ group have been appealing local and state permits to expand the store.

Developer Jonathan Levy of BLS Bennington secured permits from the town in 2006 to double the size of the Wal-Mart to about 112,000 square feet.

The Vermont Environmental Court ruled in favor of the council and citizens’ group last April, finding that they should have been represented as a party during hearings.

Other appeals filed by a local country club are pending.

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