Controversial attempts by two food giants to block the building of a new supermarket have failed after the plans were approved last night.

The lengthy saga over whether the Isle of Sheppey will have a new Lidl store has now been resolved 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.

Aldi’s challenge was 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.

Yet despite delays of almost six months, Swale council’s planning committee unanimously approved plans for the store to be built for a second time last night (Thursday).

Speaking ahead of the vote, Lidl’s Adam Forsdick said the store would offer Island residents more shopping choice.

The company’s head of property said: “It appears you need to consider every supermarket application on the Isle of Sheppey twice.

“[So] we must now regretfully bring the exact same proposal back to committee at great time, expense and frustration to officers and residents.

“Our proposal will create up to 40 new, local jobs and we will build a bespoke, designed store befitting of its gateway location.

“It is wanted by the community, with more than 91% of people who responded to our consultation in favour of Lidl coming to the Island.

“They so clearly want us - despite competitors’ actions - and we are committed to investing on the Isle of Sheppey.

“I am determined to offer them additional choice, competition and variety.”

Cllr Angie Valls insists the supermarket will be a great addition.

The Labour representative for Milton Regis said: “I voted for the store in July and I’m still for it now.

“Anything which brings jobs to Queenborough is positive.

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

Meanwhile Cllr Jayes (SIA, Sheppey Central) added: “It’s one of the most deprived areas in the country, so these jobs are desperately needed.

“Tesco had a monopoly for years on the Island, and each time a new store has come along they have opposed it.

“Residents need choice and want to shop somewhere different.”

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

Employees will also benefit from being amongst the highest paid in the sector, following Lidl’s increased hourly pay rate starting at £11.40 per hour.

The shop 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.

Solar panels are to be installed on the roof to help capture energy for the store.

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.