A supermarket giant claims a competitor has once again blocked its plans for a new branch – the latest twist in a long-running planning dispute.
Lidl claims its new headquarters in Queenborough and the 40 jobs it would create there are “at risk” due to a lawsuit from Aldi – a move local residents have described as “absolutely diabolical”.
Swale Parish Council says the legal challenge could lead to it being asked to revoke planning permission granted just months ago, but insists this has not yet happened, despite Lidl sending letters to residents confirming this.
The German retail giant first submitted plans for a new store at Cowstead Corner in October 2022.
The company was given the green light last July, but the ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court after competitors Tesco and Aldi filed suit.
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Aldi claimed Lidl had failed to consider the impact of the application on the nearby listed building Neats Court, failed to take traffic data into account, misapplied habitat regulations and failed to explain why the site would deviate from its agreed use in Swale Council’s development plan, which earmarked the site for a hotel.
An Aldi spokesman said: “We object to very few planning applications but this time we are concerned about the impact it would have on the existing area.”
Meanwhile, Tesco feared that opening the out-of-town store would have a negative impact on footfall and business in Sheerness town centre, where the company is based.
In January the plans were returned to Swale Parish Council and the planning committee unanimously approved them.
But now, according to Lidl, this permission has been “revoked” due to a “challenge” by Aldi.
The company’s regional property manager, Adam Forsdick, wrote to islanders on Friday saying the store was “at risk due to Aldi’s actions,” as were the 40 new jobs promised at the new location.
He said: “Unfortunately, Aldi have decided to take their appeal a step further, resulting in Swale Borough Council having to revoke our planning permission.
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“Unfortunately, this means that the future of your new business remains at risk due to Aldi’s actions.
“We would like to assure you that we remain firmly committed to bringing a Lidl branch to the island.
“We are working with Swale Parish Council to bring our proposals before the planning committee as soon as possible and hope to again obtain planning permission for our new store.
“Your continued support is invaluable in securing the future of your local Lidl and you can have your say by writing directly to your local councillors.
“We will keep you updated on all developments and look forward to welcoming you to a brand new store in the not too distant future.”
A spokesman for Swale Parish Council said the authority was “currently considering its next steps”.
He added: “The council’s planning committee has unanimously decided to grant planning permission for a new Lidl supermarket on the island and planning permission has been granted accordingly.
“Unfortunately, after planning permission was granted, competing supermarkets attempted to challenge the decision in court.”
Aldi had previously stated that its lawsuit was based on the loss of customers that Sheerness would face if the new store in Queenborough were to open.
However, Aldi itself will close its branch in the city as it plans to open a new £9 million store in Neats Court next month.
The residents of Sheppey are not happy with Aldi’s lawsuit.
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 the Sheerness steelworks added: “It is absolutely devilish that a company like Aldi does not want to face competition.
“These are bully boy tactics and must not be successful.
“The support for this development is overwhelming throughout the community.
“The only logical reason for Aldi to take this measure is to reduce competition on the island, which would result in maintaining high prices for islanders.
“The only way to defeat these thugs is through community action that affects them financially, for example by boycotting the new Aldi store.”
Meanwhile, Phillip Healy, who lives on Belgrave Road in Halfway, said he would no longer shop at Tesco or Aldi.
The 79-year-old former Sheerness steelworks engineer said: “Whatever these two businesses think they have invested in their establishments on the island, it is no excuse to prevent a perfectly trustworthy competitor from building a business that will test their creditworthiness in terms of their claims to offer their customers low prices and good quality.”
“I am so frustrated that Swale Council has not simply rejected outright allegations by Tesco and Aldi that they are banning a competitor from trading. I will not spend any part of my income in either of these stores.”
Councillor Mike Whiting, who represents Sheppey as an independent on Kent County Council, says Lidl’s additional investment is “welcome”.
He explained: “Many of the 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 would bring is welcome.
“New employment opportunities and more choice for customers should always be encouraged.
“But I can understand why competitors want to challenge the planning permission.”
If the store is built, solar panels will be installed on its roof to help generate energy.
The company has also reserved space for an art installation to be designed by a local artist.
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