By Dave Lord

PLANS TO build a new super- market in Crieff took a huge step forward yesterday as councillors on the influential development control committee approved details of the application.

The plan to build a Sainsbury’s supermarket at historic Market Park was already established in principle and yesterday the details were rubber-stamped.

A community buy-out group had been established in a bid to ensure the land—home to the Crieff Highland Gathering—remained as open space for the use of local residents.

However, their dreams now look to have been scuppered.

Perth and Kinross Council had refused permission for the original application in 2006 but the decision was appealed and subsequently sustained by the Scottish Government.

Yesterday’s approval of so-called “reserved matters” means Sainsbury’s can prepare to get to work on the site.

Neil Martin, an agent for the firm, yesterday told councillors many of the finer details relating to design and landscaping had been tweaked following a consultation exercise carried out in Crieff.

He insisted the changes had been well received and elected members appeared to agree.

However, objector Jean Miller pleaded for a rethink.

“I am a member of the community right-to-buy group but appear today as an individual,” she told the development control committee.

“We are still interested in the site ... but would actually like to congratulate the developers for their attention to planning detail.

“However, my objection remains that this place is entirely inappropriate for such a development.

“The council is lease-holder and that has worked well for Crieff Highland Gathering and the wider local community.”

However, the status quo is simply not an option at this stage and councillors unanimously agreed that the latest application be approved.

The proposals include a 20,000 square foot store with hundreds of parking spaces.

The company claims up to 200 jobs will be created.

Perthshire MP Gordon Banks insists the benefits to Crieff will be huge and said the majority of residents are firmly in favour.

Meanwhile, councillors also approved plans to create new leisure facilities, to replace those lost at Market Park, close to Pittenzie Road.

Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham knows not everybody will be impressed.

“This decision will not please everybody in Crieff but there is at least now a degree of certainty as to the direction in which we are headed,” she said.

“Of course, the matter is not entirely resolved even now as there is still the question of the lease held by the council to be dealt with.

“Now that decisions are being taken Crieff can start looking forward as a community and make the new situation the best it can be.”