'Huge blow' as Lidl store permission scrapped after Tesco intervention

In April Wiltshire Council approved plans for the budget chain to build a new supermarket, alongside ten business units, at the land to the east of Oxford Road in Calne.

But the scheme, which Lidl say could bring up to 300 jobs to the town, was brought to a halt just months later following a written objection from Tesco representatives, who claimed planning policy had not been followed correctly.

The council confirmed they had scrapped planning permission for the store after taking legal advice and the application will now have to be reconsidered.

Lidl described the setback as a “huge blow” for the community after 4,000 people registered their support for the plans.

A spokesperson said: “We are disappointed to confirm that the council received a legal challenge from Tesco, resulting in the original planning permission being quashed.

What the planned store may have looked like according to planners (Image: Lidl)

“As a discount supermarket, we exist to provide households with access to good food at the best value, and while we know that this will come as a huge blow to many in the community, we would like to thank those who supported our plans.

“We look forward to working with the council to get the planning application redetermined.”

Cllr Asley O’Neil, the representative for Calne Rural, was disappointed at the decision due to the popularity of the proposal amongst locals.

He added: "It's unfortunate that the Lidl application has had to be redetermined following an approach being made by Tesco's lawyers to the Council.

“There is significant support in the Calne community for a discount supermarket option and I hope that the application will be determined again as soon as possible"

The council added they would reconsider the application following consent from the court.

The plans for the store (Image: Lidl)

Cllr Nick Botterill, cabinet member for development management, said: “Following Tesco’s pre-action response to the Lidl planning permission, and having taken legal advice, Wiltshire Council has agreed to the quashing of the decision.

“We now await a consent order for this from the Court. Following receipt of the consent order the planning application will be considered afresh.”

Tesco told this paper they were pleased the council had rescinded approval following their objection.

They added that they do not object to the majority of planning applications submitted by their rivals and insisted they only do so based on material planning considerations.