Readers react to plans for Aldi in Horsham

The supermarket chain is proposing to open a new store at the Tanbridge Retail Park site, creating up to 50 new jobs – read more here. The site is currently occupied by a Currys and a vacant unit. Aldi is proposing to build a new store with a floorspace of 1,870sqm. The site would be landscaped and have 96 car parking spaces, including nine designated parent and child bays, and five blue badge bays. Many readers took to social media to welcome the news. Commenting on Facebook, Fiona Butler said: “Great news! I travel to Crawley to shop, so one in Horsham would be fab.” Paul Pontiac Richards agreed, commenting: “About time. Great news.” Audrey Jackson said: “Woohoo yes great news we so need more supermarkets in Horsham with the population growing with increasing speed.” However some residents raised concerns about parking at the site. Geoff Oborne said: “Good news but parking will have to be upgraded otherwise people will park in Waitrose/john Lewis.” Val Watson said: “I’d love an Aldi in Horsham. The only problem with that site is that will be only 96 car parking spaces, nine designated parent and child bays and five blue badge bays. “I don’t think that will be any where near enough and will cause traffic jams at the roundabout, just like at Lidl on Foundry Lane.” An Aldi spokesman said: “We know that local people are currently travelling some distance for our award-winning offer. “Our proposals will provide easier access to our popular, high quality, great value range in the heart of Horsham.” Aldi is asking residents to share their views on the plans by emailing HorshamAldi@planningpotential.co.uk or by visiting a designated webpage for the plans here.