THE "David and Goliath" contest between the people of Sanderstead and German supermarket giant Lidl is coming to a head today (Tuesday).
Having been sent to the Planning Inspectorate, Lidl's application to overturn the council's refusal of its plans will now be heard at Fairfield Halls.
However, Paul Redington, who is leading the local opposition to Lidl's plans for a store in Limpsfield Road, has complained that the retailer will have an unfair advantage.
"At the eleventh hour Lidl have said they will be bringing a lawyer with them, a QC and deputy high court judge no less," he said.
"They have also submitted a 120-page document which we have no chance of responding to.
"We are trying to petition the council to provide their own lawyer too, to add weight to our case."
Mr Redington said the council was in a "unique position" as officers originally recommended that the planning application go through, but councillors unanimously rejected them in October.
The supermarket appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, who will be holding the hearing starting today.
Both sides will get the chance to put forward their evidence and opinions before the inspector goes to the site to visit.
A council spokesman said: "The council will be robustly defending its decision to refuse this application at the planning inspector's hearing.
"We will stand firmly by our reasons for refusal and intend to make a strong case to the inspector for our decision to be upheld."
Recently we reported how Lidl has now also expressed an interest in opening a store in Brighton Road, South Croydon.
