Lidl has been granted planning permission for its first store on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, despite a last-minute objection from Tesco.

Yesterday (6 March), Swale Council granted Lidl with approval for a third time, following two previous objections from both Tesco and Aldi.

Lidl GB regional head of property Adam Forsdick told The Grocer: “The continued support from those in the area has been incredible, making it clear that previous objections have not been in the interest of the community. We therefore want to thank everyone who has stood by us throughout this journey.”

The discounter said that its most recent plans for the store opening were supported by more than 90% of the Island’s residents who responded to its public consultation.

Forsdick added: “This new store will provide local shoppers with access to our high-quality, affordable products while also bringing new jobs and investment to the island. We know the delays have been frustrating, but we hope we can now move forward and bring our plans to life.”

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Tesco’s most recent 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March 2025 and received by the Council on 5 March 2025, argues that some of the data within the planning application is outdated, though Lidl has claimed that this is due to delays caused by previous objections.

Tesco also told the publication that this most recent objection was on the grounds that the store’s impact would be significantly adverse to the Halfway Houses Local Centre and the Town Centre of neighbouring town Sheerness, as a result of its cumulative impact along with a proposed Aldi store.

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 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.