Sainsbury’s is set to begin work on a store in Pitlochry after the Scottish Government rubber stamped the plan.
Councillors unanimously backed the development in December, but the decision needed to be ratified.
With that having now happened, Sainsbury’s can move ahead with the store, which is set to create more than 150 full- and part-time jobs.
Construction will begin following the Pitlochry Highland Games in September as bosses do not want to disrupt what is one of the most important dates on the local calendar.
In recent years the supermarket has been taking significant steps to increase its market presence within Perth and Kinross, which has been just a single store in Kinross.
A further development on the outskirts of Perth remains in the planning stages and may yet be successful, though a bid to move into Crieff now looks unlikely to succeed.
The supermarket is, however, hugely positive about its move into Pitlochry and believes the store will have a major impact upon shopping habits.
Many residents of Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and surrounding villages travel to Perth to do their weekly shop and it is hoped the new store will encourage them to spend more money closer to home.
Sainsbury’s national development surveyor Paul Miller said, “Sainsbury’s are delighted that we now have the go-ahead to start work on the store on Bridge Road and deliver the much-awaited new supermarket for residents of Pitlochry and the surrounding area.
“We have been working closely with Pitlochry Highland Games and as such, will not be starting work on the new store until after the 2011 Highland Games.
“Sainsbury’s are hopeful that they can deliver the new store to the residents of Pitlochry for summer 2012 and are committed to continuing to update the community on the progress of the project.”