Results of the Amersham Town Council Survey on the Proposed Lidl Development
Amersham Town Council recently invited residents to share their views on the proposed Lidl supermarket at the King George V House site in Amersham-on-the-Hill, formerly the Buckinghamshire Council offices.
Lidl has indicated that there is demand for an additional food store in the area and believes its proposed design would be well-suited to Amersham. To help shape the Town Council’s formal response to Buckinghamshire Council as part of the statutory planning process, residents were encouraged to provide feedback directly to us.
The survey is now closed, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to participate. Your input has been invaluable. Please click the following link -https://amersham-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lidl-Survey-1.pdf – to view the survey results.
Key Findings
1. Appropriate Use of the Site
- Mixed-use development (shops and housing) received the highest support (31.72%), followed by community/leisure facilities (29.93%) and large retail (22.22%).
- Many residents strongly opposed the idea of a large retail store—particularly Lidl—and emphasised the need for housing, including affordable and social housing.
2. Need for a Food Store
A significant proportion of respondents disagreed with Lidl’s view that another supermarket is needed in Amersham, especially given the Aldi already under construction nearby.
- Many felt the town is already well served by Tesco, Waitrose, M&S, and the forthcoming Aldi.
3. Impact on the High Street
- 70.61% of respondents strongly disagreed or disagreed with Lidl’s assertion that the store would have little impact on existing high street businesses.
- Concerns included potential negative effects on independent shops, cafés, and existing supermarkets, as well as reduced footfall in the town centre.
4. Impact on Neighbouring Areas
- 73.12% strongly disagreed or disagreed that the store would have limited impact on nearby residential areas.
- Issues raised included increased traffic, noise, pollution, and pedestrian safety—particularly for children and older residents.
5. Traffic and Parking
- 37.10% strongly disagreed that the proposed entrance on King George V Road (opposite the Chiltern Lifestyle Centre) would be appropriate.
- Respondents cited risks of congestion, road safety concerns, and additional parking pressures in an already busy location.
6. Design and Character
- 39.96% strongly disagreed that the proposed design fits the character and architecture of Amersham.
- The design was widely described as out of keeping with the town’s historic and residential feel, with several comparing it to a “warehouse” or “box-like” structure.
7. Environment and Sustainability
- 35.66% strongly disagreed that the proposal respects environmental and sustainability considerations.
- Concerns focused on increased pollution, traffic, noise, and the removal of mature trees. Many suggested that housing would be a more sustainable use of the site.
8. General Comments
- Many residents expressed frustration that the site—originally intended for housing—had been sold to Lidl, and criticised Buckinghamshire Council for enabling this.
- A number of respondents did support the Lidl proposal, highlighting the need for more affordable food options and increased competition.
- Several suggested alternative uses for the site, such as housing, community facilities, or mixed-use development.
We also strongly encourage residents to submit their own comments on the application by visiting the Buckinghamshire Council planning portal:
Please note that comments submitted in support of, or in objection to, the application should focus solely on material planning considerations, as these are the relevant issues the planning authority is legally able to take into account.
Thank you once again to everyone who took part in the survey and shared their views.