Lidl has gone public with its frustration at Tesco and Aldi over objections to its plans for a new store.
The new store on the Isle of Sheppey has been seeking planning approval since 2022, but has been held up by a string of objections.
In 2023, both Tesco and Aldi lodged objections, and both subsequently threatened legal action against the council requesting that it quash the planning permission it had granted, according to Lidl.
In 2024, both lodged objections and Aldi subsequently threatened the council with legal action requesting it quash the planning permission it had granted, Lidl said.
With the application due to be heard for the third time this evening, Lidl said it had been made aware late yesterday afternoon that Tesco had again lodged an objection at the last minute.
The latest objection, dated 3 March and received by the council on 5 March, argues some of the data within the planning application is outdated – despite delays to the process having largely been caused by Tesco and Aldi’s previous challenges, according to Lidl.
Lidl claimed the objections had come despite more than 90% of Sheppey residents who responded to its public consultation on the plans expressing support.
Read more: Nearly 40 proposed Aldi stores being held up by planning objections from rival supermarkets
“We have no doubt that residents on the Isle of Sheppey will be as frustrated as we are at the prospect of potentially having to face yet another delay,” said Lidl GB regional head of property Adam Forsdick.
“Swale Borough Council has approved our store twice already, with officers once again recommending plans for approval. Despite this, competitors remain intent on putting up roadblocks that only serve to prevent households from getting access to the quality and value that Lidl offers.
“Whilst they maintain that their objections are based on material planning considerations, it’s been clear over the last three years that the delays incurred have benefited only them.
“Nevertheless, we remain fully committed to delivering this store and are grateful for the continued support from the local community. We also appreciate the time and effort Swale Borough Council has dedicated to reviewing our plans, despite the challenges.
“Our hope is to move forward without further delays and provide households on the Isle of Sheppey with the choice, convenience and jobs they deserve.”
Tesco said its latest objection was on the grounds the impact of the Lidl store would be significantly adverse to both the Halfway Houses Local Centre and Sheerness Town Centre, due to its cumulative impact along with a proposed Aldi store.
It said it did not object to the vast majority of planning applications submitted by competitors, any objections it did submit were only ever based on material planning considerations, and it never objected on the basis of loss of trade or simply to delay a competitor’s planning application.
Aldi was approached for comment.
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