Aldi’s plans to open in Archway could be thwarted because there are so many shops already selling booze in the area.

Islington Gazette: A file image of an Aldi store. The budget supermarket is eyeing a site in Archway. Picture: Anthony Devlin/PA WireA file image of an Aldi store. The budget supermarket is eyeing a site in Archway. Picture: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The budget supermarket giant wants to open in the current Poundland shop at the northern end of Holloway Road.

But if it wants to sell alcohol, the company must get permission from Islington Council’s licensing sub committee next week.

And the town hall is under pressure – from one of its own councillors, an Archway community group and homeowners – to reject the alcohol licence.

The council has designated Archway as an alcohol saturation zone because of an “oversupply” of off licences.

In the past, objectors to previous booze licence applications have said Archway has a problem with alcohol abuse.

Islington Gazette: Archway is saturated with shops selling alcohol, objectors to the Aldi plans have said. Picture: Google Street ViewArchway is saturated with shops selling alcohol, objectors to the Aldi plans have said. Picture: Google Street View (Image: Archant)

And it was repeated by one Windermere Road homeowner, who said in council licensing papers: “There is an ever increasing problem [with] street drinking and vagrancy linked to street drinking. Predominantly, those who drink on the street obtain their alcohol from the two off licences that neighbour the premises and are also open for extended periods selling alcohol.”

The issue, she or he said, has led to broken glass littering the street, which has also been used as a toilet for off licence customers. There have also been “intimidating groups” gathering on the road.

The Better Archway Forum community group also objected, saying: “While Aldi is recognised as offering good value food, something which we believe will be welcomed by residents, we are doubtful that it would be wise to agree to the premises also selling alcohol, given the plentiful supply of off licences in the area already.”

And Junction ward Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz said: “We also have a high number of vulnerable people in the area due to the local hostels and hospital. We have persistent issues with street drinking, anti-social behaviour and crime. We also have a lot of issues with street litter related to off licensed premises.

“Whilst I understand that Aldi provides value for money groceries, we already have a Tesco, Co-op, Sainsbury and Iceland in close proximity.”

A decision is set to be made at a town hall meeting on Monday (6.30pm).