Tesco Blocks Expansion of M&S Foodhalls Nationwide

As of September 27th, 2025, Marks and Spencer's plans to expand its Foodhall network have hit a roadblock due to objections from rival supermarket Tesco. According to the article, six new M&S Foodhalls are facing delays in their openings, with Tesco citing planning policy concerns as the reason for its objections.

Two of the affected Foodhalls, which were granted approval last year in Hatfield and Blackburn, are now subject to a judicial review after Tesco argued that the "town centre first" approach was not properly applied. Additionally, four other planned Foodhalls in Northampton, Formby, Stowmarket, and Seaton have also been delayed following Tesco's objections.

Tesco claims that its objections are not based on concerns over lost trade, but rather on material planning considerations raised by local councils and highway authorities. However, the delays caused by Tesco's actions have put hundreds of new jobs on hold, as the process can add a year or more to the opening timeline.

M&S remains committed to its expansion plans, with the retailer aiming to open 100 new Foodhalls across the UK by April 2026. The company's focus on food has been a key part of its transformation strategy, and the opening of a new state-of-the-art food distribution center last year is expected to support this growth.