Supermarket giants Tesco have submitted a last minute bid to block a new Lidl store being built.

The plans have already been criticised by fellow rivals Asda - which has a store just 500 metres away - in two letters sent to Medway Council.

Councillors were due to decide whether to give the plans the go-ahead for the proposals in Gillingham, which would make it the first Lidl store in Medway.

Tesco's letter is the seventh objection to the German chain's ambitions to open a new shop, which were revealed last July.

Lidl want to build a new superstore just 400m away from the closest Tesco Express store in Pier Road at the Liberty Quays student complex.

The plans for development north of Medway Road were to be discussed at a Medway Council planning meeting on January 15.

In its objection, Tesco raised legal issues which have to be reviewed before discussions can take place.

It states how construction of a supermarket on this plot of land will have a negative impact on the Gillingham town centre, which it says is contrary to Medway Council's Local Plan.

The letter also raises concern about the effect the Lidl store would have on other retailers in the area.

It reads: "Lidl's proposal will inevitably impact upon established retail facilities that are being considered as part of the broader strategic plan for the rehabilitation of Gillingham town centre.

"This is an important material consideration which officers must now bring within the scope of their assessment.

"In order to rectify these flaws, the council is urged to remove the application from the planning committee agenda so that officers can review the application and, as necessary, take external advice."

The application – which had won the backing of council planning officers – is now set to be discussed at the next planning meeting on February 5.

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