Tønder council reverses stance on supermarket plan despite warnings of town centre decline

A controversial proposal to build a Rema 1000 supermarket on the outskirts of Toftlund will go before Tønder municipal council on Tuesday evening, after a sudden shift in political support despite repeated rejections and warnings that it could accelerate the decline of the town centre.

The move follows years of opposition from the council, which had consistently blocked plans for out-of-town retail development—including a May decision by the Technical, Environmental and Climate Committee—to protect Toftlund’s struggling high street. But last week, the Finance Committee reversed course, forcing a full council vote on whether to advance the project, Danish broadcaster DR reports.

Mayor Jørgen Popp Petersen of the Schleswig Party acknowledged the policy reversal contradicts both past council decisions and 2025 national guidelines advising against peripheral grocery stores. “It may well look strange, since nearly all expert recommendations say supermarkets should be in town centres,” he told DR. “But this is the trend we’re seeing in other towns, and it’s hard to resist.”

The proposed 50 million kroner development near Toftlund’s roundabout would include the Rema 1000 alongside retail units and fast-food outlets. The applicant’s own projections estimate 45% of its revenue would be diverted from existing town centre businesses.

Local resident Jørgen Laue Tandrup, who launched a petition gathering 1,900 signatures in support of the out-of-town store, argued the town centre “has been declining for 20–30 years.” He claimed many potential customers currently bypass Toftlund entirely, adding, “We need to try something different.”

While the Toftlund Traders’ and Artisans’ Association could not be reached for comment, a Facebook post stated the group does not oppose development on the site—but insists it should not include grocery stores.

Councillors will vote Tuesday on whether to proceed with three scenarios for the commune’s retail future, one of which would permit supermarkets outside the town centre. The mayor confirmed he will back that option, conceding, “Every new store will hurt another. That’s competition.”