M&S store opening plans have been held up by Tesco objections, it has been reported.

Plans for six M&S Foodhalls are being delayed after Tesco made objections, The Grocer reports.

Two of the Foodhalls are subject to a judicial review requested by the retailer.

A planned M&S Foodhall in Hatfield’s Oldings Corner was granted approval in July 2024. However, it hangs in the balance awaiting a date for a judicial review oral hearing requested by Tesco.

Although the hearing was due to occur this week, it has been postponed by the court.

An M&S Foodhall in Blackburn’s Frontier Retail Park was also given approval in April 2024, but has since faced two judicial reviews requested by Tesco. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council also opposes the Foodhall plans.

Tesco claimed that both shops had been approved without applying a “town centre first” approach.

Four additional planned Foodhalls at Northampton’s Riverside Retail Park, Formby Bypass, Stowmarket and Seaton have faced delays following opposition from Tesco.

All of the grocery giant’s objections are on planning policy grounds.

Tesco said that it did not oppose the vast majority of rival store plans, and that it only objected on material planning considerations and never on the basis of loss of trade or to lead to delays.

It also said that a range of statutory consultees had raised material planning considerations regarding the planned M&S shops, such as local councils and highway authorities.

An M&S spokesperson said: “Investing in new stores is one of our key transformation priorities, driving further growth in our M&S food business and giving our customers the best possible M&S shopping experience.”

In August, M&S unveiled a £340m investment in a new state-of-the-art food distribution centre, with the site set to support the retailer’s ambition to double the size of its food business.

The announcement marked a major step in its strategy to become a destination for the weekly shop.

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