PLANS to build a new Aldi store in Winnersh are set to be approved on Wednesday.
Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee will discuss the proposals to create the supermarket on Gazelle Close, behind the retail park that houses Halford, Pets at Home and Wickes.
There have been concerns that the proposal would lead to more traffic and increase the chance of a road traffic collisions on Reading Road.
The plan has also been criticised by the Environment Agency, as the site could flood if the River Loddon overflows.
One of the occupants of the neighbouring Winnersh Fields business park, said pedestrians could be “terrorised” by drivers visiting the new store.
They wrote: “This is madness, it will destroy our car park access and our environment. There is not the space for this mad proposal, and it will be a disaster for everyone except those who visit on foot who may well be terrorised by frustrated drivers anyway.”
Other neighbours have warned that if the store is approved, there should be new safety measures brought in at the junction of Gazelle Close with Reading Road. At the moment, drivers exiting on to Reading Road are only allowed to turn left – but residents say the banned right turn is often ignored.
One Reading Road resident said he supported the plans but warned that there were “daily near-misses” at the junction.
“I hear cars horns all the time and people illegally screeching out of Gazelle Close turning right. More traffic coming out of Gazelle Close turning right will only make things worse and could lead to a fatality,” he wrote.
Wokingham Borough Council planning officers say the shop’s drainage plans are acceptable in the event of flooding: the store will be raised above the flood plain, but the car park won’t be.
Officers also say there are no nearby suitable alternative sites to build the new supermarket, while some residents said they welcome the proposals.
A Calver Close resident said: “I think this will be extremely helpful and useful. For those who live in Winnersh and have no means of transporting/driving to get to an affordable local supermarket this would be so helpful.”
The decision will be discussed at the planning committee meeting to be held on Wednesday, December 13.
