Asda’s plan to build a new store in Inverness has received a new boost after 10 community councils gave the supermarket giant their public backing.
Their support brings the number of residents groups in favour of the development at Slackbuie to 15, and it adds weight to a high-profile campaign to give the supermarket a foothold in the Highland capital.
It comes as preparations are made for the first stage of a public inquiry into Asda’s plans for a 70,000sq ft “mid-sized” store on a site opposite Inverness Gaelic primary school.
The pre-inquiry meeting in front of a Scottish Government reporter will be held at Raigmore Community Centre on June 16.
It was called after councillors approved Asda’s proposal, despite the fact it goes against the local plan.
Last night Pat Hayden, chairwoman of Inverness Area Community Council forum, confirmed that 10 local councils had declared their support for the plans.
They join community councils at Lochardil and Drummond; Culcabock and Drakies; Hilton, Milton and Castle Heather; Inverness South and Crown in coming out in favour of the new store.
Mrs Hayden said: “The people of Inverness deserve choice in terms of their supermarket shopping. People in smaller towns, such as Huntly, are better served than those in Inverness with regard to the range of supermarkets on offer in their area.
“I feel strongly that the time is right for Invernessians to have access to this same range of choice.”
During a two-day public consultation last year, Asda said more than 1,450 people expressed their support for the plans in writing. And more than 99% of all the comments received were supportive.
The plans include a new petrol filling station and the supermarket giant claim it could create up to 400 full and part-time jobs.
Asda property communications manager Lisa Rooke said: “We have been delighted with the support our plans have received from both the local community and the business community and we are extremely pleased that this support continues to grow.