High Wycombe: New Aldi and McDonald’s off Crest Road

Bucks Council will debate an application by Aldi Stores Limited for the new discount supermarket and fast-food restaurant off Crest Road in High Wycombe at an upcoming meeting.

Plans for an Aldi and drive-thru McDonald’s at the former Park and Ride site were first revealed by the former Wycombe District Council (WDC) in March 2019.

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The scheme took another step forward in November 2020 but was met with concerns about noise, litter, and ‘traffic chaos’.

Cressex Island

Now the application is back, seeking construction of a 1,801 sqm Aldi supermarket and a 517 sqm McDonald’s restaurant and drive-thru, with a new access from Crest Road and 126 parking spaces, on a vacant plot measuring approximately one hectare (currently owned by Bucks Council).

A new pedestrian crossing on John Hall Way is also planned.

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However, the development could cost other local shops millions in “trade diversion”, with ASDA hit by £3.25 million in losses, and Waitrose £1.62 million. “Those stores closest to the site would see most diversion,” a report states.

ASDA Stores Limited had objected to the application in December 2020.

Since the plans came forward, the new traffic light-controlled junction at Crest Road and John Hall Way has also opened, albeit to some controversy.

Crest Road signals 

Residents have claimed the mini roundabout worked better, and that traffic queues from the M40 and Handy Cross were “never an issue” before Bucks Council installed the lights.

Weekend shopping in the area has also become “far more congested”, said one local.

But planning officers said the new junction can accommodate the additional traffic.

“Access to the site would be via an upgraded access from Crest Road,” a report states. “Highways are satisfied that the proposed developments would not materially impact the signalised John Hall Way/Crest Road junction, and that the junction can accommodate the additional traffic movements.”

The application is recommended for approval subject to planning conditions, including £16,000 to improve bus stops on John Hall Way.

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