PLANS for a new Aldi and McDonald’s have been approved.

Bucks Council has permitted an application by Aldi Stores Limited for the new discount supermarket and fast-food restaurant off Crest Road in High Wycombe.

Aldi Stores Limited will build a 1,801 sqm Aldi supermarket and a 517 sqm McDonald’s restaurant and drive-thru at the former Park and Ride site, with a new access from Crest Road and 126 parking spaces.

A new pedestrian crossing on John Hall Way is also planned.

Plans for an Aldi and drive-thru McDonald’s at the Park and Ride site were first revealed by the former Wycombe District Council (WDC) in March 2019.

The scheme took another step forward in November 2020 but was met with concerns about noise, litter, and ‘traffic chaos’.

But planning officers said the new junction can accommodate the additional traffic.

Dozens of locals said the Aldi-McDonald’s scheme is unwanted; others, that it is welcome.

While others still wanted more entertainment, like an ice-skating rink, Laser Quest, crazy golf, indoor go-carting, and even an escape room, or nightclub.

Some people wanted other big shops besides Aldi, like Costco, Farm Foods, The Range, Smyths Toys, and B&M.

The new development could cost other local shops millions in “trade diversion”, with ASDA hit by £3.25 million in losses, and Waitrose £1.62 million. “Those stores closest to the site would see most diversion,” a report states.

Bucks councillors granted conditional permission on June 8.