Plans to build a new supermarket which were approved earlier this summer have been put on hold following legal challenges from another food giant.

Permission was granted on July 20 for a new Lidl store to be built on the Isle of Sheppey by Swale council.

All 17 members of the borough’s planning committee gave the green light for the German food company to build a 12,000sq m store at Cowstead Corner in Queenborough.

The application was officially accepted by Swale council in October, with council officers recommending its approval one week prior to the vote.

However, having seen Tesco already request the council refuse permission, Aldi have now entered legal proceedings in a bid to block the store being built.

A statement from Lidl’s head of property, Adam Forsdick, has been written to residents on the Island.

It said: “Unfortunately, since then (July 20), Swale council has received legal challenges.

“This means we are now prevented from implementing our plans, while we await the results of the legal process Swale council must now enter into.

“There is absolutely nothing we can do to avoid this frustrating delay as it is completely outside of our control, but I wanted to take the opportunity to confirm that we remain committed to delivering a food store on the Isle of Sheppey.

“We are preparing for our proposals to be reconsidered at another planning committee as soon as possible.”

As well as creating up to 40 new jobs, the new Lidl store would include a bakery and its popular ‘middle of Lidl’ aisle which offers discounts on a wide range of items.

Employees will also benefit from being amongs the highest paid in the sector, following Lidl’s increased hourly pay rate starting at £11.40 per hour.

The shop would be served by 119 parking spaces, including accessible bays, parent and child spaces, cycle, and motorcycle bays, plus 11 electric vehicle charging areas.

However Tesco has claimed if it lost trade at its Bridge Street store in Sheerness, smaller shops would affected and spending in the town centre could fall by 25%.

Meanwhile Aldi is due to also due to arrive on the Island.

It saw permission for its new supermarket at Neats Court approved in December.

Cllr James Hunt (Con, The Meads) previously said of the new Lidl store: “The amount of support given from residents is something I've not seen before on a planning application, so it is something clearly needed.

“With the investment by Lidl and the other businesses in the area, it is great to see people choosing the Island as their home to deliver much-needed jobs and contribution to the local economy.”

Swale council has been approached for comment.