This is what the derelict site of the former Martex Cash & Carry in Cupar could look like if supermarket chain Aldi is granted planning permission for a new store.
The artist’s impression is one of several which can be viewed during a special public exhibition being held between 2pm and 7pm today at Cupar Corn Exchange. And the developer is urging people to drop in and share their views.
The Courier revealed more than a fortnight ago that the company had expressed renewed interest in the South Road site, after it emerged that proposals for housing on the large, overgrown area of land had fallen through.
Planning permission for 34 houses at the former Martex site was approved in August last year but was subject to the developer meeting the terms of a Section 75 legal agreement and land ownership issues being resolved.
It was reported at a recent meeting of Fife Council’s north east Fife planning committee that the housing applicant had failed to conclude the agreement.
Now, Aldi, which was linked with the site a number of years ago, has launched a public consultation on its store plans.
Residents of the South Road area were invited to a private briefing on Monday evening, during which feedback was given on issues ranging from traffic matters and parking to discussion about town centre retail.
The wider population is now being invited to the Corn Exchange to speak to Aldi development officials.
The proposals being put forward by the supermarket chain come as Tesco declines to carry out any work on its existing store, also in South Road, despite significant public and political pressure for it to do so.
In February 2008 Aldi confirmed it was disposing of the land in South Road where it had intended to build a new branch.
The Fife Council planning committee had ruled against the store after hearing from officials that there could be an “unacceptable impact” on town centre retailers.
With Tesco stalling, Aldi believes the local retail landscape has changed.