Lidl has shared its frustration over new objections submitted by Tesco over plans for a store on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent.

The discount grocer said that more than 90% of the Island’s residents who responded to its public consultation support plans for the opening of the store. Competitors Aldi and Tesco have previously challenged the planning permission granted by Swale Borough Council on two occasions.

With Lidl’s planning application due to be heard for the third time today (6 March), Tesco has again submitted objections to the plans. The current objection is based on some of the information in the application being out of date, though Lidl has claimed that this is due to delays caused by previous objections.

Tesco and Aldi previously lodged objections in 2023 and, according to Lidl, both subsequently threatened legal action against the council, requesting that they quash the planning permission that Lidl had been granted. Both Aldi and Tesco claimed that the Lidl store would cause a drop in footfall in the neighbouring town of Sheerness.

Aldi also cited the impact of the proposed store on a nearby listed building, increased traffic and misapplied habitat regulations.

The following year, both Aldi and Tesco again lodged objections, with Aldi launching legal action against the council once again.

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Lidl said that Tesco’s latest objections come despite the grocer’s proposals aligning with planning policy in the planning balance, as well as a delivery of a modern store “that is appropriate for the prominent gateway location, giving households access to high quality products at the lowest possible prices”.

The discounter cited other reasons in support of the store plans, including that it will create up to 40 new jobs in the local area, provide investments in local infrastructure, enhance biodiversity on-site, and provide electric vehicle charging points.

However, the latest objection, dated 3 March 2025 and received by the Council on 5 March 2025, argues that some of the data within the planning application is outdated. 

Lidl GB regional head of property Adam Forsdick said: “We have no doubt that residents on the Isle of Sheppey will be as frustrated as we are at the prospect of potentially having to face yet another delay. Swale Borough Council has approved our store twice already, with officers once again recommending plans for approval.

“Despite this, competitors remain intent on putting up roadblocks that only serve to prevent households from getting access to the quality and value that Lidl offers. Whilst they maintain that their objections are based on material planning considerations, it’s been clear over the last three years that the delays incurred have benefitted only them.”

He added that despite the challenges, Lidl remains fully committed to delivering the store.

“Our hope is to move forward without further delays and provide households on the Isle of Sheppey with the choice, convenience and jobs they deserve,” he concluded.

Both Tesco and Aldi have been contacted for comment.