A new Aldi store in Perth could be open by early 2024 after planning permission was granted.
The new store will be on land at the corner of Necessity Brae and Low Road.
Councillors met on Wednesday and backed the application – despite objections from parties including Tesco.
The development will result in the closure of the firm’s existing Glasgow Road store, which bosses say will shut the day before the new supermarket opens.
Philip Johnston, property director at Aldi, told councillors that construction of the new store will begin early next year and it will open in the first quarter of 2024.
Despite not having yet marketed the Glasgow Road site, Mr Johnston says there has been interest in it and a buyer has been provisionally agreed.
Permission for retail use at that site will be removed and any future development will need to go through its own planning permission.
Glasgow Road site ‘problematic’
Mr Johnston described the Glasgow Road store as “problematic”, saying it is “far smaller” than a standard Aldi store, which has left staff struggling to fit all of the company’s products on the shelves.
Aldi previously explored the option of extending the Glasgow Road store but claimed it was too restrictive.
Perth city centre councillor Eric Drysdale expressed concerns about the Glasgow Road site being left vacant.
He asked if conditions could be added to prevent this happening.
He also wanted further clarity on “the intentions for the Glasgow Road site by the potential purchaser”.
He was reassured by officers that there is strong interest in the site and they are confident that it will be developed on in the future.
Following the approval of the application he said: “I acknowledge the advice offered and given by officers and respect that fully, however I must express my disappointment that it is not apparently possible to protect against this situation resulting in a vacant unit on a prominent site.”
Giving people a ‘supermarket on their doorstep’
Other councillors gave their backing to the proposals.
Councillor Ian James said: “I’ve sat on this committee so many times and said that it is OK building houses but what about infrastructure? And here we have an opportunity.
“This land is [allocated] for a different use [in planning policies], yes, but it has been in that use forever and nothing has come forward.
“Here we have an opportunity to service an area of housing with a supermarket on their doorstep and I’d be more than happy to go with the officers’ recommendation.”
With the expansion of Perth west, I think it will be a real asset to Perth”
Councillor David Illingworth said: “I know this area well having lived nearby.
“Thirty-four years ago when I moved to Perth there was a petrol station on Glasgow Road and there were two other shops.
“I think this retail opportunity will replace those shops that were missing.
“I think it will be great for the locals who live nearby to have a supermarket right on their doorstep and with the expansion of Perth west, I think it will be a real asset to Perth.”
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