Proposals for an Aberdeenshire village’s first supermarket have been approved, despite the concerns of planners, following overwhelming public support.
The development of a store in Oldmeldrum, which will be run by the Co-op, and four other retail units has been sanctioned by Formartine councillors.
About 200 letters of support for the plans were received by Aberdeenshire Council after the plans were lodged by APCC Ltd and William Lippe Architects.
Council planning officials had recommended the proposals for North Meadows Industrial Estate, across from Meldrum Academy, be refused, because they were contrary to the Aberdeenshire local development plan.
Officials were also concerned about the potential knock-on effect of the development on Oldmeldrum village centre.
However, councillors on the Formartine area committee voted to back the proposals on a delegated grant, subject to conditions.
Planning consultant for Lippe Architects and Planners, Lesley Tierney, said the firm was “delighted” at the decision.
She added: “The community has been looking for additional shopping provision for a number of years. The Co-op will occupy the larger of the five units with interest in two of the four smaller units from an employment agency and gym.
“We were delighted to have the support of so many residents in Oldmeldrum and their efforts are much appreciated. It is anticipated that work on the development will commence early in 2017.”
Mid-Formartine councillor, Paul Johnston, said: “It was a unanimous decision of the committee, it was a fairly strong case. The issue had to be decided on whether it would affect the town centre.
“I was aware how many people where strongly in favour of it. On balance it was a good location and it isn’t going to affect the town centre.
“It will be a medium-sized convenience store, meant for local people to be able to go in and out relatively quickly – walking, cycling or by car.”
