Two supermarket companies have clashed in a war of words over a major Perth development.
In a last-minute intervention on Wednesday, Tesco launched an ultimately unsuccessful bid to block Sainsbury’s plans to open a rival store near its Crieff Road business.
They criticised attempts to bring operations forward two years before vital road improvements are completed.
Tesco claimed it would cause gridlock on the A85, causing them “substantial commercial disadvantage” by pushing customers away.
The firm also turned on planning officials, accusing Perth and Kinross Council of performing a “complete volte-face”, saying approving the proposals would be “flying in the face” of previously imposed strict regulations.
Dundas and Wilson, legal representatives for Tesco, submitted an 11th-hour plea to the local authority’s development management committee, but their attempts failed when the changes were narrowly approved following a tight vote.
Dispute resolution consultant Kenneth Carruthers said: “Our clients operate a superstore at Crieff Road in close proximity to the site of the proposed J Sainsbury’s development.
“The transportation network around Crieff Road and Western Perth is already highly congested. Allowing the J Sainsbury’s development to proceed without first insisting upon the commencement of major transportation improvements will cause gridlock on the Crieff Road.
“On the basis of their experience elsewhere throughout the UK, this is more likely to lead to shoppers electing to shop elsewhere, to our client’s substantial commercial disadvantage.”
Permission for the Sainsbury’s was granted in May last year, but only on the condition that roadworks were carried out on the A9/A85 beforehand.
Due to uncertainty over compulsory purchase orders, however, the time scale slipped, pushing the road opening date back to 2017.
Eager to start trading, Sainsbury’s submitted plans to modify the existing legal agreement.
Rather than wait for up to four years to open its doors, the grocers applied to the local authority for permission to start work next year, allowing them to launch in spring 2015 several months before the first design and build contract for the road will be awarded.
Development quality manager Nick Brian backed the proposals, saying: “Essentially the changes relate to the timing of the works under the original grant of consent.
“These are effectively preventing the supermarket opening for trade until the council has let the construction contract.
“The key issue here is that the council is committed to road improvements.”
Although he accepted there could be a “significant” impact on the A9/A85 for up to 27 months, Mr Brian said this was a “slight extension” on the previous plans.
This failed to appease some committee members, with Councillor Alan Livingstone raising fears about congestion.
He recalled a survey carried out several years ago, which suggested that the A85 would be totally gridlocked by 2018 if no improvements were carried out.
“I have a concern that we might be precipitating that and heading towards it,” he said.
These were echoed by Councillor Calum Gillies, who hit out at the report and moved for refusal.
He added: “At the moment we have seven superstores in Perth.
“I think we can hold back for Sainsbury’s to come along.
“I think this is going to be horrendous for the A85 and the people who live opposite.”
Development management convener Councillor Tom Gray raised an amendment to approve the changes.
He highlighted the long-term benefits the plans would have in bringing significant improvements to the road and was backed by Councillor Joe Giacopazzi.
The application by Sainsbury’s was narrowly approved by six votes to five.