AN ALDI could be built in Winnersh is plans are approved by Wokingham Borough Council.
The supermarket has announced plans to create a store on land behind Halfords, off Reading Road.
It would be a 1,315 sq m sized store, offering the company’s mixture of own-label products, special offers and a selected range of branded goods.
If approved, it would be Wokingham’s third branch of the chain and could open next year. The others are in Earley and Wokingham town centre.
As well as being sited opposite the Halfords store, it will be close to branches of DIY chain Wickes and animal supplies store Pets At Home.
The Winnersh branch would have a car park for 124 cars, including eight family spaces and four electric vehicle charging points. There would also be spaces for three motorbikes.
The company has been leafleting residents to let them know about the projects, and they said it would bring an underutilised site into economic use, as well as more food choice to the area – there is already the Sainsbury’s store further up Reading Road, and there is also an Asda in Lower Earley. There are a number of smaller retailers available too.
They state that planning consent had previously been given for a car showroom on the site, and their proposals take into account the need to install appropriate drainage measures to protect the site against flooding. The store would be raised above ground levels, and include undercroft flooding prevention voids.
Residents have already been commenting on the proposals on Wokingham Borough Council’s planning portal.
Concerns include road safety and access caused by the additional traffic heading to the store, but residents are also pleased that the land would be used in this way, with one saying: “It will bring life back into a dead area”.
Not everyone is in favour. Another resident said the area had enough grocery stores, and called for alternatives.
“How about some new stores in this area, or a bowling alley, something for the kids to do as it’s a retail location.”
A special website has been set up by Aldi giving more details of its plans. This can be viewed at: www.aldiconsultation.co.uk/winnersh, while the application is available online at https://planning.wokingham.gov.uk/FastWebPL/welcome.asp – and searching for reference 230099.
The closing date for comments is Thursday, February 16.
