Proposals to build two new supermarkets in the south of Aberdeen will go before city councillors next week.
Planning officials have recommended approval of a scheme to convert more than half of the existing Macro cash-and-carry at Altens into a new superstore.
However, elected members have been urged to reject separate bid for a 62,430 sq ft supermarket at Loirston.
The first scheme, proposed by Cyan Properties, would divide the existing Makro building at Wellington Circle.
The smaller section, covering 48,459sq ft, would remain as a Makro wholesaler, while the larger 61,892sq ft part would be occupied by a new retailer.
Several supermarkets have reportedly expressed an interest in the site, with negotiations at an advanced stage with two major names.
In a report to Thursday’s planning committee meeting, chief official Margaret Bochel recommended approval, subject to conditions.
She said: “The proposal to change the use of approximately two-thirds of an existing wholesale retail unit to form a new supermarket, would meet the demand for the provision of a new retail facility to the south of Aberdeen as identified through the Aberdeen City and Shire Retail Study 2013.”
Sue Porter, secretary of Cove and Altens community council, welcomed the recommendation.
“I think the one at Makro is a really good idea,” she said.
“I think it’s something we sorely need in Cove – a decent-sized supermarket.”
The Makro company has been taken over by Booker cash-and-carry, which wants to reduce the size of the store so that it is in line with its usual model.
The planning application suggested that the rejection of the plans could result in the closure of Makro.
The only letter of objection to the scheme was lodged by the developer of another proposed supermarket in southern Aberdeen.
Hermiston Securities had submitted an application for a development on farmland west of the residential area at Cove Bay, although it is understood that the developer has not held detailed talks with potential retailers at this stage.
Planning officials have recommended that councillors reject the proposal at Thursday’s meeting.
They said the plans would contravene several policies and the scale “far exceeds” that envisaged for the planning permission granted in principle for the wider site.