Plans to create a new supermarket on the outskirts of Perth could set a “dangerous” precedent, it has been claimed.
Aldi has made a bid to take over two units at the Highland Gateway on Inveralmond Industrial Estate, which could create around 30 jobs.
This has raised concerns over the future of the site, which was envisaged as a tourism hub, and the impact this change of direction could have on city centre businesses.
Following its creation in 2007, the Highland Gateway struggled to attract trade and two years ago councillors backed plans to lift restrictions on the type of retailers that could set up there.
As a result, the former Caithness Glass factory was transformed into a food store, operated by Marks and Spencer.
It opened last year, helping to significantly boost footfall to the site and now Aldi hopes to cash in on this success by opening its second store in the area.
Councillor John Flynn said more should be done to attract tourism businesses to the development. He believes that Perth has reached “saturation point” for supermarkets.
“I would rather see this site being used for a technology park than another supermarket,” he said. “I think this will set a dangerous precedent and may frighten off any tourism-related businesses from going there.
“We need tourism in Perth to attract people and anything that will be to the detriment of attracting tourists is a concern.
“If we are trying to market this as a gateway centre for tourists, then we should be trying harder to find the right businesses.”
Mr Flynn also fears that having a supermarket on the outskirts of Perth will result in more people “bypassing” the city.
He added: “We need some sort of revival in the city centre to attract people there.
“While I welcome the prospect of new jobs, I think more work needs to be done in finding something sustainable to fill the remaining units.”
A report by property consultants, GVA James Barr reveals the firm hopes to act as “a further catalyst” to encourage further development in Perth and was “excited” about the opportunity, which could generate a turnover of £4 million.
It states: “They see the Highland Gateway location as serving a catchment area which is distinct from that served by their Glasgow Road store and that the two operations can complement each other by providing Perth’s residents with access to Aldi’s range of products.
“Aldi also anticipates that a store at Highland Gateway would generate a certain amount of pass-by trade, owing to its strategic location.
“By occupying two vacant units, Aldi hopes that this further investment will be seen as an overall benefit to the wider area, at a key location arriving into, as well as departing, Perth.”
The document, which has been submitted to planning chiefs from Perth and Kinross Council, also denies the development will have any “unacceptable” impact on the local area.
Rather, the retailer believes that a new store on the industrial estate will encourage shoppers to spend more time onsite visiting other premises and will fill a gap in the market.
The report continues: “There is no such operator within the proposed catchment area at the present time and Aldi will offer something qualitatively and quantitatively different to existing provision.
“This would be advantageous for the consumer, providing enhanced competition and also improved choice.
“It also helps demonstrate how the proposals would, in our view, help fill a gap in provision locally where, at present, such food shopping trips are clearly taking place well beyond the catchment area.”
Although the proposals will go some way to breathing new life into the Highland Gateway, some fear this will be to the detriment of the city centre.