A supermarket giant says a rival has again blocked its plans for a new store – the latest twist in a long-running planning dispute.
Lidl claims its new Queenborough branch and the 40 jobs it would create are “at risk” due to legal action taken by Aldi – a move branded “absolutely diabolical” by residents.
Swale Council says it could be told to withdraw the planning permission it issued several months ago due to the legal challenge, but insists this has not yet happened, despite Lidl sending letters to residents saying stated that this is the case.
The German retail giant first submitted plans for a new store in Cowstead Corner in October 2022.
The company was given the green light in July last year, but this was overturned by the High Court after rivals Tesco and Aldi filed a lawsuit.
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Aldi claimed that Lidl had failed to carry out relevant checks on the impact of the application on the nearby listed building of Neats Court; had not taken traffic data into account; misapplied habitat rules and failed to explain why the area should deviate from the agreed use in Swale Council’s Local Plan, which earmarked the land for a hotel.
A spokesperson for Aldi said: “We object to very few planning applications but on this occasion were concerned about the impact this would have on the existing area.”
Meanwhile, Tesco feared the out-of-town store would have a negative impact on footfall and businesses in Sheerness town centre, where the store is located.
The plans went back to Swale City Council in January and the planning committee approved them unanimously.
But now, according to Lidl, this permission has been “annulled” due to a “challenge” from Aldi.
The company’s regional head of real estate, Adam Forsdick, wrote to Islanders on Friday saying the store was “at risk as a result of Aldi’s actions”, as were the promised 40 new jobs at the new location.
He said: “Unfortunately, Aldi have decided to take their challenge one step further, which has resulted in Swale Council having to withdraw our planning permission.
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“This unfortunately means that the future of your new store is still in jeopardy as a result of Aldi’s actions.
“We would like to reassure you that we remain fully committed to bringing a Lidl store to the island.
“We are working with Swale Council to bring our proposals back to the planning committee as soon as possible and hope we can obtain planning permission again for our new store.
“Your continued support is invaluable in securing the future of your local Lidl. You can have your say by writing directly to your local councillors.
“We will keep you informed of all developments as they occur and look forward to welcoming you to the doors of a brand new store in the not too distant future.”
A spokesperson for Swale Council said the authority was now “considering the next steps”.
He added: “The council’s planning committee unanimously decided to grant planning permission for a new Lidl supermarket on the island and planning permission was granted accordingly.
“Unfortunately, following the granting of planning permission, rival supermarkets attempted to overturn the decision in court.”
Aldi previously explained that the legal action was based on the loss of customers that Sheerness would experience if the new store were to locate in Queenborough.
However, Aldi itself is planning to close its branch in the city as it opens a new £9m store in Neats Court next month.
Sheppey residents are not happy with Aldi’s legal challenge.
John Twiselton, of Oak Avenue in Minster, said the company’s actions had left “a bad taste” in his mouth.
The 75-year-old former manager of Sheerness Steelworks added: “It is absolutely diabolical that a company like Aldi does not want to compete.
“This is a bully tactic and should not be allowed to succeed.
“The support within the community is overwhelmingly in favor of the development.
“The only logical reason for Aldi to take action is to reduce competition on the island, which will lead to maintaining high prices for islanders.
“The only way to defeat these bullies is through community action that affects them financially by boycotting the new Aldi store.”
Meanwhile, Phillip Healy, who lives in Belgrave Road, Halfway, said he will no longer shop at Tesco or Aldi.
The 79-year-old former Sheerness Steelworks engineer said: ‘Whatever these two stores think they have invested in their island operations, it is no excuse to prevent a completely deserving competitor from building a store that will undermine their credibility in the will test. in offering low prices and good quality for their customers.
“That is my frustration with Swale council, who not only reject outright the claims of both Tesco and Aldi as restricting a competitor’s trade, I will not spend any of my income in either store.”
Cllr Mike Whiting, who represents Sheppey as an independent representative at Kent County Council, says the additional investment from Lidl will be “welcome”.
He explained: “Many residents I represent just want the store to be built.
“It is good that companies like Lidl want to come to the Isle of Sheppey and the investment that the new store brings is welcome.
“New employment opportunities and more choice for customers is something that should always be encouraged.
“But I can understand why competitors want to challenge the building permit.”
If the store is built, solar panels will need to be installed on the roof to capture energy.
The company has also reserved space for an art installation designed by a local artist.
What do you think of the situation? Email your opinion to let
letters@thekmgroup.co.uk