Aldi has secured planning permission for a new supermarket in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, ending a four-year planning battle with rival Lidl. The decision underscores the intense competition between UK supermarkets for new sites amid high demand for cheaper groceries.
Rival proposals and planning debate
Both Aldi and Lidl submitted competing proposals for the market town. Planners warned that allowing two new supermarkets could harm the town centre by diverting trade from existing businesses. The bids were debated head-to-head during a three-hour planning committee meeting at East Lindsey District Council on July 30.
Council officers initially favoured Lidl's plan for a site on Boston Road, arguing it would be better for the town centre. However, concerns over potential congestion and “traffic nightmares” in the area were raised. Councillors ultimately backed Aldi's alternative plan for Spilsby Road, which includes a petrol station, public toilets, and a tourist information hub.
Support and opposition
Guy White, linked to the closed Laurel petrol station site that would be redeveloped as part of the Aldi scheme, said the retailer was offering “real jobs and real futures.” He argued Aldi's plans would deliver wider benefits, including extra visitor facilities, while claiming Lidl's proposal risked harming existing town centre traders such as bakeries. He also suggested Lidl's proposed location could cause major tailbacks, although highway officials said they were not concerned.
Councillor Richard Avison told the meeting the town needed a “shot in the arm,” arguing the new Aldi would help keep local spending in the area by reducing the need for residents to travel elsewhere for their weekly shop. He noted the road network around Lidl's proposed site was already heavily pressured.
Background and outcome
Aldi had originally been granted permission in 2022, but Lidl launched a legal challenge, which meant both applications had to be considered together. Councillors heard that many residents had been travelling to other towns for cheaper supermarket shopping, and both retailers said they had attracted significant local support through petitions.
A Lidl spokesperson said its plan would help protect the town centre, provide more choice, and regenerate a brownfield site. Aldi said it would create up to 40 jobs and deliver “more than just a food store.” Both schemes were approved in principle after lengthy debate, but a deciding vote gave the final nod to Aldi.
Councillor Ruchira Yarsley said many families were struggling with the cost of living and needed a convenient discount supermarket. Aldi's UK real estate managing director, Jonathan Neale, welcomed the decision and said work would begin as soon as possible, thanking the nearly 900 residents who backed the plans.
