The people of Amersham have expressed their pleasure at the news that an Aldi supermarket has been approved for the town.

The German giant plans will build its latest Buckinghamshire branch at 44 London Road West in the town, which is the site of the old Jaguar garage.

The decision was officially announced at a planning application meeting on Tuesday, June 12, despite a handful of objection letters.

One letter of rejection came from Tesco, which stated that Aldi’s sequential report had not been fully updated prior to the meeting but this was noted during the public discussion.

The two stores will now be separated by only two minutes along the A355.

Following the news, many people took to Facebook to share their happiness about the plans being approved.

Claire Anjos said: “Great news.

“Tesco will benefit too from me as I'll do both shops whereas I rarely go to Tesco currently.

“Just need a Lidl in Chesham to compete with Sainsbury's.”

Judy Baker added: “Couldn’t give a fig!

“But the bonus will be Tesco’s will be quieter.

“And it’s been proven that Aldi is not significantly cheaper than Tesco and from my experience fruit and veg quality is better in Tesco too.

“A win-win for me!”

Norma O'Keefe added: “I don’t do a big shop, I just love the middle isles, got some really good bargains.”

Rajesh Babber said: “Great news, it will encourage competition and provide an injection of growth for Amersham.”

Speaking at the meeting which gave the plans its green light, councillor Mike Shies said: “Members will be aware that this application was considered at the previous planning committee on April 30, with the decision being deferred to consider the following issues:

  • To investigate amending the elevational treatments of the proposed building
  • Revisit the condition which stipulates delivery operating hours (condition 21) to see if the evening hours can be reduced by one hour to 10pm
  • Consider a condition which restricts HGV movements within the site during operating hours
  • Further consideration of the access arrangements with a potential ‘left turn only’ for vehicles leaving the site

“Following the previous meeting, two neutral letters were received, one of which was from the Amersham Society, stating that members should ensure that the new building pays homage to the vernacular architecture and materials in the area.

“Two more letters of support were issued with one suggesting it would provide jobs, it’ll be a good addition to the local area, and it would be a good use of a brownfield site.”

The supermarket will have warehouse space and staff accommodation on the first floor above a ground-level shop floor of 1195m2.

The car park will provide a total of 101 customer spaces, including five disabled bays and five for parents and children.

There will also be cycle parking, as well as four electric vehicles charging parking spaces, with infrastructure installed for the conversion of a further 19 such spaces in the future.