Lidl is celebrating after Tesco failed in its third attempt to block the discounter’s plans for a new store on the Isle of Sheppey.
Swale Council granted approval for a third time on Thursday evening, following Tesco’s latest objection to the plans.
It came after Lidl yesterday announced its frustration at a series of objections from both Tesco and Aldi to the new store, which had been seeking approval since 2022.
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 on Thursday, Lidl said it had been made aware late on Wednesday afternoon that Tesco had again lodged an objection at the last minute.
It said the objection had been lodged on 3 March and received by the council on 5 March, and argued some of the data in the planning application was outdated – despite delays to the process having largely been caused by Tesco and Aldi’s previous challenges.
Lidl said 91% of Sheppey residents who responded to its public consultation on the plans expressed support for the new store.
Read more: Nearly 40 proposed Aldi stores being held up by planning objections from rival supermarkets
“We are thrilled that Swale Council has once again granted planning permission for our first Isle of Sheppey store, despite a last-minute objection from Tesco,” said Lidl GB regional head of property Adam Forsdick.
“The continued support from those in the area has been incredible, making it clear that previous objections have not been in the interest of the community. We therefore want to thank everyone who has stood by us throughout this journey.
“This new store will provide local shoppers with access to our high-quality, affordable products while also bringing new jobs and investment to the island. We know the delays have been frustrating, but we hope we can now move forward and bring our plans to life.”
Tesco said its latest objection was on the grounds that 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 did not provide a comment.
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