Arbroath Community Council has planted its flag in a ‘store wars’ row.
The community council has given its support to a multi-million pound Arbroath development despite admitting many public concerns were raised.
Big name national outlets are understood to be lining up a move to units on the site of the old Metal Box factory on Dundee Road.
The application submitted by Brackenbrae Investments Limited includes food, non-food and drive-through units to the immediate south-west of the existing Westway retail park where Asda is situated.
Battle lines were drawn after Asda objected to the proposal, saying the development would present a “significant threat” to the town centre’s vitality and viability.
Community council planning spokeswoman Maureen Beedie has given its backing to the £11m development following a public meeting which was held this month, despite concerns being raised.
She said: “We invited representatives from Brackenbrae Investments Limited to attend and answer any questions from the public.
“This was a well-attended meeting and many of the public concerns were answered.
“There was concern about accessibility and, in particular, a pedestrian crossing for the A92 to allow anyone on foot or alighting a bus easy and safe access to the retail park. This remains a concern.
“There were also concerns raised about the increased volume of traffic on this stretch of the A92 and the occupancy rate of the units as this is a major gateway into Arbroath and empty units do not make a good impression on any town.
“The other hot topic of debate was the effect this development may have on the town centre, which was largely alleviated by the assurances given that no retailers from the town centre were planning to relocate and that the prospective occupants of the new retail park were all businesses that did not have a presence in the town at this time.
“However, it was suggested that any negative impact on the town centre could be addressed by installation of information boards, advertisement boards or some other form of encouragement for visitors to the retail park to explore Arbroath further, such as its history, retail, eateries and entertainment.”
She said the “overall feeling appears to be positive” despite the concerns.
Brackenbrae Investments Limited said they had been encouraged by interest in the project, which they believe could create hundreds of new jobs.
It said the proposed retail park would create jobs and provide a “significant boost” to the local economy.
