High Wycombe: Traffic fears over 24-hour drive-thru at ASDA

Locals have outlined their worries about plans for a new mystery restaurant in part of the customer parking area at ASDA on Crest Road in High Wycombe.

Euro Garages Ltd (EG Group) wants to build a 208 sqm single-storey building ‘to be used as both a restaurant and hot food takeaway, incorporating a drive-thru’, documents indicate.

As a result, available parking spaces at ASDA will be reduced from 557 bays to 511.

READ MORE: New 24-hour drive-thru restaurant to be built at ASDA

And while the application does not appear to reveal who the new tenant will be, many have rejected the idea of “another fast-food chain”, fearing it would make peak traffic periods even worse, increase litter, and encourage loitering.

Others, however, suggested Leon or KFC could be the new tenant – while others still questioned the applicant’s claim that ASDA “benefits from an excess” in parking.

EG Group is owned by billionaire brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa, who bought fast-food chain Leon for £100 million last year (it has not been confirmed if this new restaurant will be a Leon or not). EG Group also bought ASDA Stores Ltd in June 2021.

ASDA on Crest Road

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The area already suffers with heavy traffic, despite a new traffic light-controlled junction at Crest Road and John Hall Way which replaced the mini roundabout.

Some have since claimed there is “significantly” more traffic down John Hall Way, and that weekend shopping in the area has become “far more congested” since the overhaul.

The new junction at Crest Road and John Hall Way

Local, Paul Stone: “Before the lights were installed, queuing was never an issue coming from M40/Handy Cross roundabout heading north bound.

“Now during rush hours, traffic begins with the outpour of traffic from Cressex industrial estate, particularly evenings from 4.30pm onwards.

“The lights mean that traffic is trailing back down John Hall Way, backing up the Cressex Link Road and onto the industrial estate

“Significantly more traffic around the area since the lights were installed.”

Miss Natalija Jovandic: “I am objecting to this application as the traffic will increase significantly and make it worse during peak times. It’s bad enough as it is.

“I can only imagine the state of the area will also worsen due to the rubbish which will be produced.

“We don’t need another fast-food chain. There is already a McDonald’s inside ASDA. With a school being near ASDA this will also cause pupils to loiter in the area.”

Mr George Jovandic added: “Last thing we need is another fast-food restaurant in Cressex, traffic is hectic and unbearable at peak times as it is, and this is just going to make it even worse.”

A BFP reader: “The car park may have an excess of car parking spaces at times, but check it out at weekends.”

Daren Norris: “ASDA does not have an excess of parking as they have added a new building for their home delivery and also a section for Click and Collect using much of their car parking up already.

“I am sure that when it was first built the council had taken into account already how much parking [was] needed for the original store size.

“It’s bad enough trying to get in as it is when the petrol station is busy – but now a drive-in restaurant with only the same way in and out and even less parking for shoppers to the store.”

Paul Stallwood: “It’s already disgusting with all the rubbish from McDonald’s in and around the car park, which also attracts rats.”

Simon Tickner: “Hideous idea. Why would you need to get that slop 24 hours a day?”

Julian Walters: “Considering the owners of ASDA also own Leon, it would make sense to have a Leon in every large ASDA store.”

Neil Staszewski suggested: “McDonald’s, KFC.”

Euro Garages Ltd is now awaiting a decision from Bucks Council.

To view and comment on the plans, use planning portal ref: 22/05013/FUL.

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