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Welcome to Friends of Marsh Lane – a community group opposing the development of an Aldi store at Marsh Lane, Stanmore. We are a growing public campaign in strong opposition to the proposed superstore, with support from people across Harrow, Belmont, Stanmore, Canons Park, Edgware, and Queensbury.
The development is unsuitable for the area, prioritizing vehicle access over people, green space, and heritage. It would lead to more traffic, pollution, and risks to public safety near homes and schools. The contaminated site poses a threat to Stanmore Marsh and local biodiversity, with no robust clean-up plan. There are also serious concerns about crime, anti-social behaviour, and harm to local shops.
Aldi proposes to redevelop the former National Grid Site, Marsh Lane, Stanmore, HA7 2SN into a single-storey discount food store.
The planned Marsh Lane Aldi Store is considered a mid-sized supermarket with an internal gross area of circa 20,000 feet. It is designed to serve a catchment population of 15,000+. It is about 2/3's the size of the Sainsbury supermarket in Stanmore.
The scheme includes 94 parking spaces and new access from Marsh Lane. The store will feature a red-brick and metal-clad exterior with a large glass frontage, and a dedicated service bay to the north.
Located near residential areas and Stanmore Marsh, the development incorporates some energy-efficient features.
Aldi estimates the creation of around 40 local jobs. The site is positioned near two Jubilee Line stations and local bus routes.
Can we trust Aldi's sales pitch? Would their plan deliver a community gem, or just another concrete box with numerous problems like gridlocks, pollution, increased crimes, wrecking our high street & harming Stanmore Marsh! We look behind their polished marketing pitch!
Poor Design & Local Impact: The proposed development is out of character with the area, placing greater emphasis on car access than on people, green space, or preserving local heritage.
Traffic, Pollution & Safety Risks: The scheme will increase vehicle traffic, noise, and air pollution near homes and schools, with no clear or robust mitigation measures in place. Concerns also include the potential for late-night activity and its effects on public safety.
Environmental & Health Hazards: The site is contaminated and poses a risk of leaking pollutants into groundwater and the nearby Stanmore Marsh. Despite this, there is no fully approved clean-up or remediation strategy. The removal or damage of mature trees further threatens local biodiversity, with weak plans for replacement or habitat protection.
Community & Social Harm: Many local residents fear rising crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as negative impacts on nearby independent shops. There is also strong disappointment over the lack of meaningful, inclusive community engagement in shaping the proposal.
Regulation breeches: of national, London and local regulations, in at least 17 different areas
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