SUPERMARKET PLAN IS UNANIMOUSLY REJECTED
A NEW supermarket which was to be built on the outskirts of Stonehaven has been refused planning permission by local councillors.
At the area committee meeting this week, councillors unanimously voted against the superstore and its associated distributor road.
Banchory based firm Bancon Developments had applied to build the 4200 sq m store and road at East Newtonleys.
Plans to build the supermarket were met with little opposition, however the distributor road brought over 40 protesters to the site last week when councillors made a site visit.
The road was to run around the back of the Braehead development from the A957 to the A92 Stonehaven to Montrose road.
Councillor Mike Sullivan said he was against the superstore proposal. He said: "There is one overriding reason for refusing this application and that is the adverse effect it would have on the viability and vitality of Stonehaven town centre."
Councillors were also concerned about figures in the report that stated the supermarket would have an adverse impact on businesses in the town.
However it was argued that the store would "address an identifiable quantitative and qualitative retail deficiency."
Councillor Graeme Clark said that he believed a smaller supermarket would be more appropriate to address these issues and would have a less detrimental effect on the town's shops.
The distributor road was also turned down on the basis that it contravened the Local Development Plan by increasing the risk of floods, would result in permanent loss of agricultural land and would have an adverse effect on landscape.
Harry McNab, Planning Director for Bancon Developments, commented: "It is disappointing that councillors have refused a proposed development on the only viable site in the area, alongside rejecting the creation of local job opportunities and the chance to regenerate the local economy.
"I am sure that we share the frustration of many people in the community at the decision made today. Although several members spoke to the strengths of the proposal, in the final decision, Members have neglected to take into consideration the positive economic impact and sustainability implications that our proposals would have on Stonehaven, not least by reducing the travel made outwith the area to undertake weekly food shopping.
"We would hope that a decision notice is issued promptly so that we can consider at the earliest opportunity whether the decision should be appealed to Scottish Ministers."
Chairman of Stonehaven Community Council David Fleming said: "I think it was an excellent decision reached after a very excellent debate. The councillors quite clearly informed themselves well and had considerable reservations about the application proposed."
Allan Sutherland, co-ordinator of the Save our Stonehaven group said he was also happy with the decision. He said: "This is a good day for democracy. The councillors did their homework and made their cases eloquently, authoritatively and fully in command of the facts and arguments. They represented the people of Stonehaven very well, in the face of strong support for the proposed development by the Council Planning department.
"Currently we have a one-supermarket monopoly in Stonehaven and this needs to change. Now is the time to have a proper, rational, informed debate about just what type of supermarket Stonehaven needs and where it should be."
He also added that there are other sites that could be considered for the supermarket. He continued: "It is not the case that East Newtonleys is the only option. The Local Plan says that Spurryhillock is the Council's choice and there have been, and are, other options.
"If the developer appeals we hope that Aberdeenshire Council planners will prepare properly and make more effort to take into account the views of the councillors and inhabitants."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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