The discount retailer Aldi faces opposition from local councillors before construction has even begun on a proposed new outlet in Henley.
Henley Town Council has submitted an objection to South Oxfordshire District Council regarding plans for a supermarket development on Reading Road.
The application, filed in July, has received largely positive reception from residents of the town.
However, the local authority has registered several reservations despite town councillors previously endorsing the principle of a supermarket at that location.
In its formal objection, the council stated that while members accepted the development concept, they expressed frustration that issues highlighted during pre-application consultations remained unresolved.
The objection cited worries about the effect additional vehicle movement would have on Reading Road, which already experiences congestion.
The council noted that the Highway Authority would need to confirm satisfaction with the proposed layout, including access points and broader road network implications.
Environmental Health officials also raised objections, with the committee determining that the potential effects of delivery operations on nearby properties warranted further examination.
Additionally, the town council’s committee expressed disappointment that the plans appear to fall short of delivering the required ten percent biodiversity net gain.
The objection recommended planting additional trees within the car park area to establish canopy cover across the site.
Aldi responded that a new store would enhance availability of the retailer’s award-winning selection of quality goods at competitive prices, expanding consumer options while decreasing the necessity for journeys to more distant supermarkets.