High end supermarket Waitrose has agreed to move into the Oaks Shopping Centre if redevelopment plans go ahead.

The supermarket said more than 500 jobs would be created and the site's developers claim it will be just the start of a big regeneration boost for the area.

It would be a return to Acton for the chain which opened its first store in Acton Hill in 1904, before closing it 20 years later.

But residents said the good news was not enough to balance the development’s flaws.

Sara Nathan, executive member of the Churchfield Community Association, said “It's fantastic it’s coming back to Acton but it doesn’t mean any development will do.

“I think if Waitrose are interested enough in the demographic and potential customer base of Acton they’re going to be interested whatever the developer wants.

“In fact, given their investment in corporate social responsibility we think they’d want a scheme as inclusive and popular as possible, more than any other potential partners.”

Neighbours say the plans by the Acton Regeneration Company would cause terrible congestion, create a private, gated community between Churchfield Road and Acton High Street instead of creating a better connection between the two and it’s seven-storey tower would overshadow homes.

Acton Regeneration Company boss John Bourne said the development would be a £40million investment and include an major upgrade of the existing High Street façade, new shops to the rear and restaurants along Churchfield Road, as well 142 new homes.

The new Waitrose would bring about 200 new jobs, the other new shops would provide about 70, with the development creating a further 250.

Mr Bourne, said: “If Waitrose is able to open here the regeneration benefits they will bring to Acton as our anchor tenant will be considerable. Waitrose will be just the start. This will be good news for shoppers, good news for other retailers and good news for jobs.

“The upgrade to the High Street facade, link through to Churchfield Road and self-contained service yard will transform the site as a place for people to work and shop.”

Councillors are expected to decide whether to approve the development plans on October 16.