Since 2022, residents on the Isle of Sheppey have come out in force to back plans for a new Lidl store, with over 90% of those that responded to Lidl’s public consultation supporting plans for the much-loved discount supermarket to open on the Island.
Despite the clear desires of the local community, competitors have also come out in force to challenge the planning permission granted by Swale Borough Council on not one, but two occasions.
2023 Objections lodged by Tesco and Aldi, with both supermarkets subsequently threatening legal action against the Council requesting that they quash the planning permission that had been granted.
2024 Objections lodged by Tesco and Aldi, with Aldi subsequently launching legal action against the Council requesting that they quash the planning permission that had been granted.
With Lidl’s planning application due to be heard for the third time in the same number of years at a committee meeting this evening, Tesco has once again decided to submit objections to the plans at the 11th hour. This is despite:
- Proposals aligning with planning policy in the planning balance.
- Creation of up to 40 new jobs for the Isle of Sheppey, along with further employment during construction.
- Delivery of a modern, well-designed store that is appropriate for the prominent gateway location, giving households access to high quality products at the lowest possible prices.
- Real investments in local infrastructure, including improvements to footpaths and pedestrian access along Queenborough Road.
- Enhanced biodiversity on-site through a carefully planned landscaping scheme.
- Electric vehicle charging points with future-proofing for further EV infrastructure as demand grows.
- Commissioning of a large-scale public art installation by a local artist to enhance the visual appeal of the site.
The latest objection, dated 3rd March 2025 and received by the Council on 5th March 2025, argues that some of the data within the planning application is outdated – despite delays to the process having largely been caused by Tesco and Aldi’s previous challenges.
Adam Forsdick, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: “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. 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 benefitted 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.”
With more customers choosing to shop at Lidl, the discounter has consistently been the fastest growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket for more than 19 months, an unparalleled accomplishment. With 60% of households now shopping at Lidl, the discounter revealed last year that it had experienced the highest growth in customer visits of any supermarket, with shoppers also switching half a billion spend to the discounter from its competitors[1].
[1] Kantar, 52 w/e 25 February 2024
Comments are closed.