Plans to build a new Aldi superstore and drive thru’ restaurant on a derelict piece of land in High Wycombe have had a mixed reaction from residents - but the district council leader has insisted it is a “good news story”.
The empty Cressex Island site was once tipped to become Costco, but they pulled out of the plans.
But new plans are finally being discussed for the long-empty site – with papers presented to Wycombe District Council’s cabinet on Monday revealing part of the land could be developed into a discount supermarket and McDonald’s drive thru’ restaurant.
The council says the new site would be a “repeat” of their previous Baker Street Aldi scheme – with an added McDonald’s.
The plans received a mixed reaction from Bucks Free Press readers - with some suggesting another superstore is a “waste of money”, and should be a skate rink or ski centre to help keep children fit.
Angela Evans said: “We certainly don’t need anymore fast food places. Something useful would be nice, a shop we haven’t already got in the town.”
Jagdeep Singh Lall said: “Pathetic... I would rather have car dealerships or an Ikea opened up. We need to have quality shops in Wycombe and not just discount stores.”
Other suggestions included a Smyths Toy Store, B&M or The Range - and some even pleaded for Costco to change its mind and reignite its plans.
Affordable housing on the site was also suggested - but the council has previously told how the site is unfit for homes because of pollution and the “windswept” nature of the area.
Jenny Ferrigno said: “More affordable homes are much needed but I wouldn’t think that building homes on the Cressex Island would be a sensible idea.
“Cressex Island is surrounded by a very busy road and would be dangerous for families with young children. An awful area for homes.”
In reference the news that Dandara Homes wants to turn the Chilterns Shopping Centre into residential units, Veronica Cozens added: “I think the council planning department got things mixed up. Fast food outlet and retail should go in the Chiltern Shopping Centre and housing should go here.”
Another suggestion was housing “pods” to shelter the homeless.
The plans for a new Aldi and McDonald’s drive thru were given the green light at a cabinet meeting on Monday, with the council leader, Katrina Wood, saying: “This is a really good news story - we are bringing new jobs into the area.”
Cllr Steve Broadbent added: “We expect some 150 jobs to be brought into the economy.”
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