Aldi store blocked by court after bitter row with rival Lidl
Aldi released a mock-up of their proposal
Aldi
Plans for a new Aldi store in Lincolnshire have been blown out of the water by rivals Lidl after the latter low-cost supermarket chain won a two-year legal fight.
The pair of retailers had been vying for a plot of land in Horncastle - but despite both brands filing rival planning applications, Aldi was controversially awarded permission back in November 2022.
East Lindsey District Council had told both Aldi and Lidl that their applications would be considered at the same time, but the result of its eventual decision has prompted a damning High Court ruling.
A judge ruled that the authority had failed to consider Lidl's plans when granting the permission to Aldi - and has reversed their decision.
The two low-cost supermarket chains had battled it out for the plot of land
PA
The council will not be appealing the decision, and has said Aldi and Lidl will have to resubmit their applications with the pair set for a lengthy wait for a decision to be made by relevant authorities.
But both supermarkets released bullish statements pledging their commitment to bringing branches to the town.
A spokesperson for Lidl said: "We are fully committed to bringing a new store to Horncastle and are therefore pleased with the court decision.
"This means our application will now be considered by the planning committee, ensuring that both applications are determined equally. We look forward to hearing the next steps laid out by the council."
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The shop would have redeveloped an area of land on Spilsby Road
While a spokesperson for Aldi said: "We are disappointed by this decision.
"Our public consultation showed that the people of Horncastle really want an Aldi store and we have a deliverable scheme ready to go that is now being stalled unnecessarily.
"We remain committed to investing in the local community and will continue to work to bring unbeatable value and award-winning quality to Horncastle as soon as we can."
But despite the pair remaining keen on setting up shop, local residents sounded unsure on two outlets.
Aldi released a mock-up of their proposal
Aldi
Speaking to LincolnshireLive, one long-term Horncastle resident, Chris Daniels, said: "I think Horncastle definitely needs it because there isn't a lot of competition here and there isn't a lot of choice.
"Horncastle is growing and people have to face up to that... There's a Tesco and two Co-ops - but Co-ops are out of my price range, it's crazy," Daniels added, but didn't express a preference for either brand.
Another resident told the outlet: "The town doesn't need both of them, just one or the other.
"I tend to shop at Tesco and I find it quite reasonably-priced. But perhaps having a Lidl or an Aldi would be even better."