'We prefer our little corner shop' say residents battling plan to build large Aldi supermarket on their Milton Keynes estate
Determined residents on a city estate are protesting en masse to plans to build an Aldi supermarket in their midst.
MK City councillors are due to decidee this week whether or not to approve the planning application by Aldi to build a large store on Galley Hill.
But, ever since the scheme was first mentioned a couple of years ago, residents on the close-knit estate have been firmly in opposition.
They say they are more than happy with their exisiting small corner shop and have no need for a big brand name store.
"“Raj and his staff in our corner shopsupported our communities through the dark days of Covid by helping us have access to fresh food and amenities...They continue to do so in our community,and that speaks volumes to how important they are to residents, not just Galley Hill but our surrounding areas,” said one resident .
They protestors have even urged the supermarket giants to shift their plan to nearby estates of Whitehouse and Fairfields, where residents have complained about lack of grocery shopping provision.
Galley Hill Residents Association (GHRA) has launched a petition against the Aldi plan and have gathered hundreds of signatures.
The petition, which can be viewed here , lists five main objections.
▪ This proposal is really for Whitehouse and Fairfields who would like a large supermarket
▪ Impact on the existing local retailer Raj in the local centre and on other local businesses
▪ Impact on vitality of Stony Stratford, a similar development (at the former Herald Club) was quashed in respect of the negative impact it would have on Wolverton town centre.
▪ Loss of green space, loss of wildlife habitat and a threat to existing mature trees
▪ Impact on the residential character of the area plus Increased pollution and noise from customer & store support vehicles, inconsiderate parking is already an issue on the estate.
Residents are planning to go along to the council’s planning meeting tonight (Thursday March 5) to state their case.
We have a wonderful community who take pride in our estate,” said one. "The proposals offer little for the residents nor do they listen to our needs.”