Plans to build a new discount supermarket have been approved for a third time, despite a last-minute objection from a competitor.

It was unanimously decided at a Swale council planning meeting last night (March 6) to permit Lidl to build a branch on Sheppey.

The German multi-national retailer first submitted proposals for the Cowsted Corner site in Queenborough in October 2022.

Despite getting planning permission from the authority twice, two supermarket rivals moved in to stop the project.

The first set of plans was quashed in court after opposition from both Tesco and Aldi.

During this challenge, the retailers said there would be a loss of footfall in Sheerness if the new store were to be set up.

Aldi also claimed its competitor 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.

In November 2023, the approval of the plan was quashed by a High Court decision.

Then Lidl brought the plans back to Swale council and they were approved again in January last year.

However, Aldi launched a second legal challenge on the basis that a planning officer's report did not address heritage assets properly.

In October, lawyers from the supermarkets and Swale council agreed the planning permission had been given unlawfully, leading to the High Court quashing the decision.

On Saturday (March 1), KentOnline revealed that Lidl is trying again for a third time.

At the meeting last night, Adam Forsdick, regional head of property, said: “It is unfortunate we must revisit this application despite the fact that planning consent has already been granted twice.

“This delay, caused by competitor-led judicial reviews, has resulted in unnecessary frustration – not just for your committee and officers, but for residents who overwhelmingly support our proposals.”

He told members that the store would create up to 40 jobs, including further employment during construction.

On Monday (March 3) in a letter to Swale council, Tesco claimed the retail impact assessments in the application couldn’t be relied upon as they are out-of-date.

Lidl argues the latest last-minute objection is “simply another tactic” to delay and prevent the scheme from being approved.

In the revised application, the retailer has added a 190m new footway on the north side of Queenborough Road, following concerns from the town council.

It is set to improve the current path from Cowstead Cottages to Neats Court and will be delivered before the supermarket is used.

The town council continues to support the plans but has “reservations around the public transport network, access to the store and adequate street lighting along Queenborough Road.”

Cllr Mike Whiting (Ind), who represents Queenborough and Halfway, urged members at the meeting to support the application.

He added: “I welcome the jobs that it will bring and the competition on the Island.

“I understand why Tesco and others may object to the competition but I believe this will be good for the residents of Sheppey.”

Cllr Dolley Wooster (Lab) addressed the impact it would have on her ward of Sheerness.

She stressed that the most vulnerable people in the community wouldn’t have access to cheap, quality food as they cannot get there without a car or proper public transport.

Cllr Ben Martin (Lib Dem), for the Watling ward, said: “I don’t think it is necessary for this particular applicant to solve this issue at this time.

“They have jumped through many hoops to get where they are now.

“The scheme remains the most sensible use of that particular plot of land.”

Cllr Andy Booth (Con), who represents Minster Cliffs, says the store will offer a choice for visitors and residents, as well as providing financial input into the infrastructure of the Island.

“What is disappointing for this council is that we have been here twice before,” he added. “I don’t want to sit here for a fourth time.”

Following the unanimous approval at the meeting, Mr Forsdick told KentOnline: “We are thrilled that Swale council has once again granted planning permission for our first Isle of Sheppey store, despite a last-minute objection from Tesco.

“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.

“This new store will provide local shoppers access to our high-quality, affordable products while bringing new jobs and investment to the Island.

“We know that the delays have been frustrating, but we hope we can now move forward and bring our plans to life.”