It was the winner in a 'supermarket war' with Asda.
But a new Lidl, in Lemington, Newcastle, may still be a year away from opening.
Newcastle City Council approved plans to open the store in Scotswood Road in April.
The supermarket giant got the green light, despite neighbouring Asda claiming it would "draw shoppers away".
Now, the German budget chain's lodged a bid for an alcohol licence with the council.
If the plans are approved, the new store will create around 40 full and part-time jobs.
However, a Lidl spokesperson confirmed it won't open before the end of 2019, adding: "If successful, we should open next summer."
Despite Asda's fears, the council ruled Lidl would "not be harmful to the vitality and viability of existing centres".
The building of the supermarket - which could have over 100 parking spaces - will also mean the demolition of the former New Tyne Iron pub.
The land previously had permission for 30 new homes, but they never came to fruition and planning permission eventually lapsed.
