Residents have reacted angrily to a budget supermarket chain’s plans to build a store in an already heavily-congested part of Epsom.

Dozens of homes in and around the former Dairy Crest site in Alexandra Road, have received a leaflet through the post from Aldi, laying out its proposals for the new foodstore, six homes above and car parking for up to 60 vehicles.

Although no formal planning application has been made by the food chain, which has owned the site since it was sold by Dairy Crest in 2013, the literature received by residents features a scale drawing of the proposed store, alongside information about ‘Britain’s Best Supermarket’.

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And it asks residents to answer a questionnaire to provide feedback on the proposal. Aldi claims the development would create 50 jobs and states it actively recruits from the local area.

Former Lib Dem councillor Julie Morris is one of many residents who believe the site is wholly unsuitable for a supermarket.

She said: ‘Most people I have spoken to are horrified by this, as am I. The location is not suitable as the site is on a very hazardous junction within a residential area.

"The new store on the Ewell bypass is causing dreadful traffic problems with queues all along the bypass itself on a regular basis."

But Aldi's property director Lisa Poyser said that comments they have received so far showed opinion was split over the plans. 

Ms Poyser said: "While some local residents have concerns, many are keen for the store to go ahead and welcome the shopping choice."

Councillor Jane Race, Conservative Councillor for College Ward Epsom said: "I am of the opinion that the plans are entirely unsuitable for the area.

"The junction at Church Road and Alexandra Road is already problematic and this would add to the traffic congestion, which would be dangerous for both traffic and also pedestrians.

"Alexandra Road has a history of serious road accidents resulting from speeding cars and this would only exacerbate the problem.

"Although additional parking has been offered, I doubt whether it would be sufficient and this will add to the parking congestion both on neighbouring roads and also for the doctor’s surgery next door."

Ms Morris said people were initially largely unconcerned by Aldi buying up the site as it has been earmarked for housing by the council.

But since hoardings were erected around the site about three weeks ago, just days before the leaflet was sent out to homes in the neighbouring streets, she claimed the majority of her friends and neighbours were now very concerned.

She added that far from being against having an Aldi store in the town, people’s main concern was the unsuitability of building in a largely residential area.

To give feedback on the plans, call Aldi on 020 7357 8000 or email ALDIepsom@planningpotential.co.uk. 

Anyone wanting to join the campaign against the store can email Mrs Warwick on barb.warwick@tiscali.co.uk.