The two supermarkets proposed for Sandwich could both be under threat before the first brick has been laid.

Last year, district planners approved plans for a Waitrose, doctor’s surgery and pharmacy in Dover Road, and also a Sainsbury’s supermarket at Discovery Park in Ramsgate Road.

Since then, all has been quiet and no work had started on the developments.

Now district councillor Bernard Butcher has confirmed rumours that both plans are facing problems.

Regarding the Waitrose site, he said: “It’s still an on-going thing but the problem is the pharmacy, the powers that be decided how many pharmacies we’re allowed to have in our community. For whatever reason they are standing by Boots and saying that is adequate.

“My opinion is that this is not the case. This is still an on-going thing and the battle will continue.

“Once it has been resolved, work will go ahead.”

“They say Sainsbury’s had pulled out because it’s not economically viable..." - Cllr Bernard Butcher

The supermarket cannot be built without the surgery and pharmacy, as this is part of its planning conditions.

At the time, Cllr Butcher, who sits on the planning committee, called the application a “lifeline” for those who needed central access to a doctor and medication.

He also claims he was told by developers at Discovery Park that Sainsbury’s pulled out not long after the application had been granted.

He said: “They say Sainsbury’s had pulled out because it’s not economically viable.

“However, that’s not to say that Sainsbury’s cannot sell on the outline permission.”

Sainsbury’s has not confirmed pulling out of the Sandwich site.

The rest of the application, for the hotel, housing and petrol station, can still go ahead without the food store.

A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “We are continuing to review our plans at Sandwich and will update the local community, once we are in a position to do so.”