Strict planning regulations imposed at a Perth retail park could be lifted if councillors give their approval.
As the development at St Catherine’s Retail Park has continued, site owners Episo Boxes GP Ltd have repeatedly sought consent to offer a wider range of goods.
This has allowed them to finalise deals with major retailers, including Home Bargains, as well as enter discussions with other “significant” new lettings.
Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s development management committee will discuss the firm’s latest application.
It hopes to modify an existing obligation for the unit occupied by Currys to allow the sale of convenience goods, including food.
Planning and development consultants Muir Smith Evans, who are acting as agents for Episo Boxes GP Ltd, revealed a specific retailer has expressed an interest in taking on tenancy of the unit.
They said: “The majority of goods sold by this retailer are non-food, with the range of non-food goods being entirely consistent with the existing planning permissions and planning obligations relating to the park.
“However, the retailer also stocks a limited range of convenience goods (mainly food and drink in packets, tins, bottles and cans).
“You will be familiar with the type of operator, which has become common on retail parks throughout Scotland during the past five years.”
The proposals have been recommended for approval by development quality manager Nick Brian.
He said the retail park played a “significant” role in securing the future of Perth city centre and that, according to the local development plan, plans for retail units should be promoted.
In his report, he said: “It is therefore concluded that the proposed modification to allow the variation of types of goods for sale will assist in much-needed regeneration of the retail park and improve the future economic competitiveness of Perth.”