- Swale Council grants planning permission for Lidl’s first Isle of Sheppey store – for the third time
- Previous approvals were overturned following repeated challenges from Aldi and Tesco, with Aldi pursuing formal legal action last year
- Over 91% of residents back the store, recognising its benefits for the community
Plans to bring a new Lidl store to the Isle of Sheppey have once again been granted approval by Swale Council. This marks the third time the Council has supported Lidl’s proposals, following years of delays caused by ongoing challenges from Tesco and Aldi, despite overwhelming public support.
Even with a last-minute objection from Tesco ahead of yesterday’s decision, the Council has reaffirmed its backing for the store, recognising the significant benefits it will bring to the community. While both retailers repeatedly pressured the Council to quash Lidl’s plans, Aldi went as far as launching a formal legal challenge last year. However, the need for more choice and investment on the Isle of Sheppey is clear, with over 91% of residents expressing their support for the store.
The store will span 1,266m² and feature the discounter’s popular in-store bakery, the much-loved Middle of Lidl, and customer facilities, including toilets with baby-changing stations. Outside, there will be ample parking for both cars and bicycles, as well as electric vehicle charging points, while solar panels on the roof will help power the store.
This multi-million-pound investment would not only improve convenience for shoppers but also create around 40 new jobs, further strengthening the local economy. Lidl colleagues will benefit from its industry-leading pay rates, which recently increased as part of its commitment to supporting colleagues.
Adam Forsdick, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: “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. 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 that the delays have been frustrating, but we hope we can now move forward and bring our plans to life.”
For more than three decades, Lidl has continually delivered its unbeatable combination of quality and affordability to shoppers across Great Britain. With more customers choosing to shop at Lidl, the discounter has consistently been named the fastest growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket for over a year.
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