Aldi has responded after a 'to let' sign has appeared outside their potential Amersham site.

The German retail store unveiled plans to open a store in London Road West at the site of the former Jaguar dealership in March 2021.

However, last week, a 'to let' sign has been placed outside the site between the A413 and A355.

An Aldi spokesperson has revealed that the current site owner is looking for a short-term occupier but the supermarket has not pulled out of the proposal.

Aldi is still in talks with Buckinghamshire Council regarding the proposal and is hopeful plans will commence shortly.

The spokesperson said: "Aldi has been in talks with the local authority regarding some final details on the site and still intends to move forward with the plans.

"The ‘to let’ sign has been put up by the current site owner who is looking for a short-term occupier. Aldi has not pulled out and hopes to be able to move forward with the plans shortly."

The supermarket's website says that 40 jobs will be created with vacancies currently being advertised online.

Aldi is also looking to hear from shoppers what they think of the plans.

On its website, Aldi said: "Aldi knows its customers are currently travelling out of the Amersham area to visit its stores. 

"It has wanted to open a local store in Amersham for some time and is delighted to have identified the former Jaguar Dealership at 44 London Road West HP7 9DD as a location.

"The site will be developed, using sustainable construction materials and techniques, to provide a fresh, modern, new Aldi discount food store. 

"This significant investment would create at least 40 new jobs, which Aldi would seek to recruit locally." 

According to council documents, a new vehicle entrance and exit (from London Road West), servicing and landscaping are proposed.

The supermarket's website also reveals there will be 101 parking spaces.

There have been hundreds of letters of support submitted to Buckinghamshire Council on their planning portal.

Joanna Farrington wrote: "Good cheap sustainable food and good wages for the staff."

Susan Robinson added: "As I live in Amersham it would be great to have more choices, other than Tesco."

Malcolm Berry wrote: "It's convenient and will save me keep going to High Wycombe or Aylesbury."

In September last year, Bucks Council confirmed there were highway, ecology, environmental and design matters to consider before Aldi’s application could progress.

Peter Strachan, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration at Bucks Council, said: “We are aware that this application is well supported by a number of local residents.

"However, due to its sensitive location within Amersham, the application is currently facing objections from the Lead Local Flood Authority, the Environment Agency and Ecology and Heritage. The council is actively working to resolve these matters with the applicant."