A supermarket giant says a rival has blocked its plans for a new store yet again – the latest twist in a long-running planning dispute.

Lidl claims its new premises in Queenborough and the 40 jobs it would create, are “at risk” due to court action taken by Aldi – a move labelled “absolutely diabolical” by residents.

Swale council says it could be told to revoke the planning permission it gave just months ago due to the legal challenge, but insists this hasn’t happened yet, despite Lidl sending letters out to residents stating it has.

The German retail giant first lodged plans for a new shop at Cowstead Corner in October 2022.

The firm was given the green light last July, but that was overturned by the High Court after rivals Tesco and Aldi launched a legal challenge.

Aldi claimed Lidl had failed to apply relevant checks on the application’s impact on the nearby Grade II-listed building of Neats Court; had failed to take account of traffic data; misapplied habitat regulations and did not explain why the site should deviate from its agreed use in Swale council’s Local Plan, which earmarked the land for a hotel.

An Aldi spokesperson 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 affect footfall and businesses in Sheerness town centre, where it is based.

The plans went back to Swale council in January, and the planning committee unanimously granted them.

But now, according to Lidl, this permission has been “quashed” due to a “challenge” from Aldi.

The company’s regional head of property, Adam Forsdick, wrote to Islanders on Friday telling them the store was “at risk as a result of Aldi’s actions”, as were the 40 new jobs promised at the new site.

He said: “Regrettably, Aldi has decided to take their challenge a step further which has led Swale council having to quash our planning consent.

“This sadly means that the future of your new store is still at risk 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 at the earliest opportunity and hope we can once again secure planning consent for our new store.

“Your ongoing support is invaluable in helping ensure the future of your local Lidl and you can voice your thoughts by writing directly to your local councillors.

“We will keep you informed of any developments as they unfold and eagerly anticipate welcoming you through the doors of a brand new store in the not-too-distant future.”

A Swale council spokesman said the authority was now “considering its next steps”.

He added: “The council's planning committee unanimously resolved to grant planning permission for a new Lidl supermarket on the Island and planning permission was granted accordingly.

“Regrettably, following the grant of planning permission, rival supermarkets have sought to quash the decision in the courts.”

Aldi previously explained its legal challenge was on the basis of the loss of footfall faced by Sheerness if the new store sets up in Queenborough.

However, Aldi itself is set to close its branch in the town as it is set to open a new £9 million store in Neats Court in the next month.

Sheppey residents are not happy with Aldi’s legal challenge.

John Twiselton, of Oak Avenue in Minster, says the company’s actions have “left a bad taste” in his mouth.

The 75-year-old former Sheerness Steelworks manager added: “It is absolutely diabolical that a company like Aldi does not want to face competition.

“This is bully-boy tactics and must not be allowed to succeed.

“The support throughout the community is overwhelmingly in favour of the development.

“The only logical reason for Aldi to take the action is to reduce competition on the Island which will mean the maintaining high prices for Islanders.

“The only way to defeat these bully boys is by action from the community that affects them financially by boycotting the new Aldi store.”

Meanwhile, Phillip Healy, who lives in Belgrave Road, Halfway, said he will no longer be shopping with either Tesco or Aldi.

The 79-year-old former Sheerness Steelworks engineer said: "Whatever these two stores believe they have invested in their establishments on the Island, it is no excuse to prevent a perfectly creditable competitor to build a store that will test their creditability on their claims at providing low prices and good quality for their customers.

“Such is my frustration at Swale council not just dismissing the claims of both Tesco and Aldi outright for restricting a competitor to trade, I will not spend any of my income in both those stores.”

Cllr Mike Whiting, who represents Sheppey at Kent County Council as an independent, says the additional investment from Lidl will be “welcomed”.

He explained: “Many residents that I represent just want to see the store built.

“It’s good companies like Lidl want to come to the Isle of Sheppey and the investment that the new store would bring is welcomed.

“New job opportunities and more choice for customers is something which should always be encouraged.

“But I can understand why competitors may want to challenge planning permission.”

Should the store be built, solar panels are to be installed on its roof to help capture energy.

The company has also earmarked space for an art installation which would be designed by a local artist.

What do you think of the situation? Email your views to let
letters@thekmgroup.co.uk