Polegate town councillors object to plans for a new Aldi store

Polegate Town Councillors have officially objected to Aldi's revised hybrid planning application (WD/2026/1258/MAJ) for a new supermarket and care home on Eastbourne Road.

Members of the town council's planning committee formally labelled the scheme an "overdevelopment" that poses critical risks to local infrastructure and wildlife. 

Because Polegate Town Council acts strictly as a consultee, the final decision to approve or refuse the proposal rests entirely with Wealden District Council (WDC). 

Key Reasons for the Council's Objection

Town councillors cited several major concerns regarding the revised Aldi Consultation plans: 

• Highway Safety and Traffic Chaos: The proposed access point sits on a single-carriageway stretch of the A2270 (Eastbourne Road), which is already one of the region's busiest corridors. Councillors noted the site sits on the brow of a hill, creating major visibility and vehicle manoeuvrability hazards. 
• Outdated Traffic Data: The traffic surveys submitted by Aldi are roughly two years old, with some data gathered during or right after the pandemic. The council argues this fails to reflect current or future congestion. 
• Ecological and Wildlife Impact: The council highlighted potential harm to protected species, explicitly pointing to the presence of badger setts on the land. 
• Residential Amenity: Concerns were raised that the scale and 13-metre height of the co-proposed 75-to-80-bed care home would be overbearing, out of character, and cause a loss of outlook or privacy for nearby neighbours. [1, 2]
• Loss of Recreation Space: The site covers the former Hindslands Playing Fields, sparking further objections regarding the loss of potential sports and leisure spaces for the community. 

Background of the Application

Aldi originally submitted a very similar hybrid plan in 2025, which Wealden District Council refused in October 2025 due to road safety, tree loss, drainage, and biodiversity issues. Aldi's updated July 2026 application attempted to resolve these by altering the site access and landscaping strategy, but local leaders insist the core issues remain unaddressed. 

Despite the council's pushback, the project does have pockets of community backing from residents welcoming a lower-cost food store during the ongoing cost-of-living squeeze. 

How Residents Can Comment

The public consultation remains open. Local residents are encouraged to submit their formal support or objections directly to Wealden District Council by emailing planning@wealden.gov.uk and referencing planning application WD/2026/1258/MAJ