The country’s largest supermarket chain has given assurances that it will be developing a Banff site, despite a colossal accounting black hole.
Earlier this week it was revealed the Serious Fraud Office is carrying out a criminal investigation into Tesco’s accounts after the company announced it had overstated its profits by £263million.
But a £8.5million deal to buy community land in neighbouring Banff and Macduff appears to still be on the table.
Plans for Tesco to develop Canal Park in Banff are tied into proposals for long-awaited leisure facilities in the area.
Earlier this week Aberdeenshire Council confirmed it has “concluded matters” with the retail giant in relation to the sale of the land, and replacement community services.
And last night a Tesco spokesman said: “The new facilities will be a real asset to the local community and we’ll continue to work closely with Aberdeenshire Council as plans progress”.
Tesco hopes to develop Canal Park, home of Deveronside FC, but the local authority must secure a Common Good Order from the Court of Session to allow the firm to build its proposed supermarket on the site.
A condition of the sale of the land, which belongs to the people of Banff and Macduff, was that the facilities must be replaced with new ones before construction can go ahead.
The local authority’s replacement proposals include a new sports and community centre at Myrus Recreation Park in Macduff and sports complex at Banff Academy and received planning permission in June.
There is no timescale on the Common Good Order petition being considered, but it is likely that it will take around 12 months for a decision to be issued.
Last night local councillor John Cox said: “I’m aware there is huge frustration in the community over this whole thing.
“It’s a step closer and Tesco haven’t walked away, even now it has to move through the courts.
“There had been speculation about Tesco walking away due to their current situation, which has been in the papers.”
And his comments were echoed by fellow SNP councillor Hamish Partridge: “It’s certainly good to hear we’re going forward. The 12-month timescale is a little disappointing though – it’s time to deliver Tesco.”