A long-running bid to open a row of shops next to Faversham’s Aldi supermarket has been ditched despite the seal of approval being within the developer’s grasp.

Applicants HDD Limited wanted to build a parade of retail units at the Perry Court development, on the southern side of town.

They envisaged creating either two or three units to be used as retail space or food and drink outlets.

Planning officers at Swale Borough Council looked favourably on the proposals and recommended them be approved by councillors at committee.

Yet objections were raised by Aldi bosses who harboured “extreme concerns” over the conditions imposed as it runs the site’s car park and security.

Following a discussion in November, councillors agreed to delegate decision-making powers to officers subject to minor tweaks in the designs.

The developers were to convert five parking spaces to a delivery area and review the weight of vehicle restrictions. Were those alterations to be followed through, the scheme would likely have been rubber-stamped.

HDD Limited said they had a “legal right” to use Aldi’s car park, and have an agreement with the chain to do so.

Negotiations with the German supermarket firm were said to be “progressing well” back in February, but four months down the line, the applicants have decided to pull the plug.

Agents working on behalf of the developers informed the borough council last week to withdraw the application, without stating their reasons.

Seventeen jobs were forecast to be created as a result of the scheme on the newly-formed Tettenhall Way, but all of those roles have now disappeared.

The retail parade was set to “provide a range of service and facilities to the local population”.

Elsewhere at the Perry Court site, the 66-bed care home is under construction and the Premier Inn hotel is nearing completion ahead of its launch later this year.

Plans to add a further 45 homes to the 300-home development at the sprawling Perry Court site remain undecided and still in the council’s planning portal.

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