Waitrose Objects To Plan for New Aldi Store
Written by HFM News on 24th August 2022
Waitrose is objecting to plans for new out-of-town Aldi store in Market Harborough.
The firm, whose supermarket is adjacent to the discount retailer’s current store on Springield Street, has significant concerns about the impact the development would have on the vitality and viability of the town centre, fearing less shoppers would visit.
It says both supermarkets play an important role in attracting trade to other shops on the High Street through ‘linked trips’ and questions why the current site cannot be used to accommodate a larger Aldi.
The objection has been lodged with Harborough District Council, after a planning application for a new £5m Aldi store off Rockingham Road was submitted earlier this year.
If approved, the bigger store, creating 15 additional jobs and including a 129-space car park, would replace the existing shop and be built on the site currently occupied by Glenmere Timber, at the Gores Lane junction.
A Waitrose spokesperson told HFM: “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.”
Market Harborough Civic Society has raised similar worries and is also concerned about the impact the new store would have on traffic.
Member Bernard Bowen spoke to HFM:
How the new store would look. Pic: Aldi
Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce do not share the concerns about the new supermarket impacting badly on the town centre.
The business group think it could also help tackle congestion in town centre car parks.
President Kyra Williams spoke to HFM:
Waitrose also want restrictions to be placed on what kind of retailer could move into the current Aldi premises should it be vacated.
Aldi did not wish to comment.
