Decision on Aldi's plans to open Amersham store further delayed

In March, the German discount supermarket unveiled plans to open a store in London Road West with a decision expected to be made on August 11.

However, the Bucks Council said at the time “the deadline to determine it has been extended to try and resolve any outstanding matters.”

READ MORE: This is what new Aldi in Amersham could look like

This week Gareth Williams, the council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, confirmed there are “various highway, ecology, environmental and design matters to consider.

He said: “The site is in a sensitive location, near to a conservation area, listed buildings and there are various highway, ecology, environmental and design matters to consider.

“The application remains under assessment, and the deadline to determine it has been extended, to try and resolve any outstanding matters.

“The application is due to be heard by the Council’s East Area Planning Committee at a date in the future subject to consultation with the Planning Committee Chairman, as set out in the Council’s constitution.”

The former Jaguar site in Amersham

The application was submitted to Bucks Council by Sam Sheppard in May on behalf of Aldi, with the plans laying out the demolition of the car showroom, valeting services and outdoor vehicle display area to make way for the supermarket.

Amersham residents received a feasibility study which directed them to a consultation website where they could see Aldi’s plans for the new store, the next steps and how to get in contact.

An online feedback form saw more than 93 per cent (549) of people in support of the proposal, while just over five per cent (30) were not in favour, and ten people were unsure.

The news was also welcomed by readers on the BFP’s social media page.

James Brown wrote: “Just fantastic, really, really pleased,” while Iskra Dimova said: “Brilliant news! It would save me the weekly trip to Wycombe.”

Mick Nurse thought it was a “brilliant idea” while Amy Jones said: “…can’t tell you how excited I’d be.”

The supermarket said it knows customers in Amersham are currently travelling out of the area to visit its store.

If plans are given the go-ahead, the new store is expecting to employ 15 full-time staff and 20 part-time workers.

An Aldi spokesman said: “These proposals would bring a much-needed discount food store to south Amersham, reducing the need to travel and ensuring the area has sufficient supermarket provision for its existing and future needs.”