One of the UK’s cheapest supermarkets may be coming to Horndean with a public consultation now open.

Aldi has unveiled plans to build a new £7 million store on land directly next to Keydell Nurseries on Havant Road. Keydell owns the land where the development would be based, but it is now surplus to their requirements.

The retailer said the location will create up to 40 new full-time equivalent jobs for local people at industry-leading rates. Featuring 100 car parking spaces with six accessible spaces and 10 parent and child spaces. 

Rob McClellan, Aldi real estate director, said: “We are thrilled to bring forward plans for a new Aldi store in Horndean.”

Recently, a public exhibition was held at Horndean Technology College, where residents learned more about the proposal and conversed with the project team. 

Speaking to The Post, two residents who live on Havant Road said they are worried about the increase in traffic.

They raised points about the speed limit, the proximity of the A3 and the frequency of delivery trucks per day and how they would navigate the small roundabouts at either end.

Other attendees also pointed out existing flooding issues, plans for 800 new homes nearby and the proximity of other supermarkets. 

Cllr David Evans for Horndean Kings & Blendworth commented: “I fully understand the comments that I've read from people who would be living opposite this. A nice view that they've enjoyed for many years would be disrupted and changed.

“I fully understand that, but I do recognise that there is a need for a supermarket like Aldi around here. On balance, I think most people in our area will find it beneficial.”

The garden centre will not change as part of Aldi’s plans and will remain open to customers throughout. The consultation will be open till Sunday, November 24.