Lidl wants to open a new store within sight of one of its biggest rivals – and just three miles from another of its own supermarkets.
The discount giant is consulting on plans to build a new Whitstable branch on a green space directly opposite Tesco Extra in Millstrood Road.
A new Lidl could be built in Whitstable, opposite the long-standing Tesco Extra
It would also sit on the Old Thanet Way, the same road as Lidl’s existing Herne Bay supermarket, which only opened in 2020.
Lidl argues that the new store would mean residents no longer have to travel into Herne Bay to complete their weekly shop.
It comes as the German company continues to expand across Kent. Targeting dozens of towns for new or replacement stores, Whitstable is just one of 34 Kent areas in line for a new Lidl.
The supermarket is eyeing additional branches in Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone and Ramsgate, along with sites in Deal, Dover, Faversham, Gillingham, Hoo, Hythe, Margate, Rainham, Rochester, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Strood, Tenterden and Tunbridge Wells.
It said in April that it would invest more than £600 million in its British network and open more than 50 stores within 12 months, creating almost 2,000 jobs.
Lidl’s plans for its new Whitstable store. Picture: Lidl
Launching a consultation for the proposed new Whitstable site, Lidl bosses say a planning application has already been lodged with Canterbury City Council – with hopes of opening as early as next year.
In a rough timeline set out for the multi-million-pound project, Lidl chiefs hope to get approval in the coming months and would expect to be trading by 2028 at the latest.
As many as 40 jobs could be created, and it will neighbour a 75-bed care home approved last year.
The Whitstable proposal also follows approval in May for a second Lidl in Ramsgate, where the chain is preparing to build behind another Tesco supermarket.
That application was approved by Thanet District Council by a single vote after attracting 295 letters of support and three objections.
Lidl in Herne Bay opened in 2020. Picture: Google
Lidl’s growth has helped it overtake Morrisons to become Britain’s fifth-largest supermarket.
Residents can now comment on the Whitstable proposals through Lidl’s consultation website.