Residents have hit out after a supermarket giant claimed its new store was “at risk” of not being built for a third time.

The lengthy saga over whether the Isle of Sheppey will have a new Lidl store was seemingly resolved in the winter after being on the cards for more than a year.

The German giant first lodged plans for a new store at Cowstead Corner, Queenborough in October 2022.

The firm was then given the green light for the shop in July last year.

But retail rivals Tesco and Aldi launched a legal challenge to overturn the decision in September, which the High Court did two months later.

It led to the store being unanimously approved again by Swale council’s planning committee in January.

As well as creating up to 40 new jobs, the store would include a bakery and its popular ‘middle of Lidl’ aisle which offers discounts on a wide range of items.

It would be served by 119 parking spaces, including accessible bays, parent and child spaces, plus cycle and motorcycle bays, as well as 11 electric vehicle charging areas.

A new and widened vehicle and pedestrian access is to be created from Queenborough Road, and a new footway and cycle path will be constructed to connect the site to Queenborough.

However, Lidl has now said the same two retailers are attempting to “revoke the current planning permission”.

The company’s regional head of property, Adam Forsdick, has since written to residents on the Island.

He said: "This project received an overwhelming show of support when planning permission was initially granted in July 2023.

"Over 91% of the community were in favour of a new Lidl store.

"Unfortunately, representatives from Aldi and Tesco have once again approached Swale council urging them to revoke the current planning permission, potentially leading to a formal legal challenge.

"We strongly disagree with their stance and believe these tactics to delay the plans aren’t in the interest of the wider community.

"Regrettably, the future of your new Lidl store is now at risk once again due to their actions.

"We would like to reassure you that we are fully committed to bringing a Lidl store to the Isle of Sheppey and will spare no effort in challenging these claims.

"As a discount supermarket, our mission is to make quality food accessible to households at the lowest possible prices - something that holds a great significance as people nationwide continue to seek out savings on their shopping."

A spokesman for Swale council has confirmed new developments have arisen with the project.

He said: “The council’s planning committee resolved to grant planning permission for a new Lidl store on the Isle of Sheppey.

"The application has now been determined so no further objections can be considered by the council.

"Since the issuing of the decision, we have been notified that third parties are seeking further legal action, to which we are responding as required."

Aldi’s challenge was previously submitted on six grounds.

The budget chain said Lidl had failed to apply the relevant checks on the Grade II-listed building of Neats Court nearby.

It also insisted Lidl 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.

Meanwhile, Tesco feared the store would affect footfall and businesses in Sheerness town centre.

Three months on, Tesco has since confirmed it has written to the local authority in a bid to seek clarification on the store.

However, the company says it is to take no further action and has no intention of trying to to delay their, or any other competitor’s, planning application.

Meanwhile, Aldi maintains it is still concerned about the store’s potential impact on Sheerness and the existing area.

It is now asking Swale council to take this into consideration again.

The company declined to comment as to whether it is to issue a claim for Judicial Review - a type of court proceeding whereby a judge reviews the lawfulness of a decision made by a public body.

Upon being made aware of Lidl’s statement, residents have made their feelings clear as to their thoughts on the development’s latest twist.

Belgrave Road’s Phillip Healy said: "I, along with many others, have welcomed the decision to allow this proposal to go ahead by popular demand.

"Tesco for one had the monopoly on this Island for years [and] I can't understand Aldi’s thinking.

"Both these stores should be ashamed of themselves.

"Why not embrace competition instead of objecting against it?"

Love Kaur, who also lives on the Island and runs business Ammy’s Hair and Beauty salon in Sheerness High Street, added: "I would like to have a Lidl on Sheppey.

"Tesco can be expensive here, so buying things cheaper would be good.

"I used to shop in Lidl when I was living in London as it had good prices, so I would welcome it."

Cllr Mike Whiting believes the council’s latest decision in Janaury was the right one.

The Tory represenative for Queenborough and Halfway ward explained: "Competition is a good thing.

"It's good companies like Lidl want to come to the Isle of Sheppey.

"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 which has been granted

"So we'll have to wait and see what happens - I still think the original decision from the council was the right one.

"I just hope it gets settled quickly."

Speaking ahead of the vote in January, Cllr Angie Valls (Lab, Milton Regis) said:“I voted for the store in July and I’m still for it now.

“It will give variety to residents and offer competition which is a good thing.”

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.

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl has now seen its company grow to have more than 960 stores, 31,000 employees and 13 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.

The situation comes just days after Aldi revealed work on its new multi-million pound supermarket at Neats Court has been delayed.

Plans for the new store were given the green light by Swale council’s planning committee in December 2022.

The German company revealed last autumn the store would be open this April.

However, the retailer has now confirmed this is not the case.

An Aldi spokesman would not give the reason for the delay but said a new opening date would be revealed soon.