Aldi Hits Back After Waitrose Objects To Plan For New Store In Market Harborough

Aldi has hit back after rival supermarket Waitrose objected to its plan for a new store in Market Harborough.

Waitrose, which is next door to Aldi’s current store on Springfield Street, lodged a formal objection in August, saying a new Aldi store on Rockingham Road would have a detrimental impact on the town centre.

It also suggested – if plan was approved – conditions were imposed to prevent another convenience retailer moving into the discount retailer’s premises, which would be vacated by the relocation.

In response, agents acting for Aldi say the objection has been submitted for commercial reasons.

Waitrose & Aldi are currently neighbours in Market Harborough  Pic: Google

A letter sent to Harborough District Council, which will consider the new store plan, includes: “The objection appears to be primarily motivated by a concern that the existing Waitrose store market share may be adversely affected should a direct rival retailer move into the existing adjacent Aldi store unit, hence the request that should planning permission be granted, it should be subject to a restrictive condition which limits the scope of future occupation of the unit (to exclude a food retail operator).

“We do not consider there is any justification for imposing such a condition.

“The objection is submitted chiefly for commercial reasons aimed at protecting a specific retailer against what they perceive may be a stronger direct rival, for example M&S Simply Food, reoccupying the existing Aldi unit.

“There is no reasonable basis to seek to restrict the future occupation of the vacant Aldi unit.

“We trust you will take these comments into account in the overall planning balance when determining the Aldi planning application.”

The new Aldi store is earmarked for the Glenmere Timber site on Rockingham Road, at the junction with Gores Lane.

If approved it would create 15 additional jobs and including a 129-space car park.

Speaking in August, a Waitrose spokesperson said: “We don’t feel that Aldi’s proposal supports the vitality of the town centre in Market Harborough, and are concerned this could have a detrimental impact on the town centre and ultimately local shoppers.”