Plans for a £24 million Asda superstore in Dundee have again been thrown into doubt after bitter rival Tesco lodged objections to a Court of Session ruling that the development should go ahead.
The new store on the former NCR factory site in Wester Gourdie was given the green light last month after Lord Brailsford dismissed Tesco’s bid to scupper the development.
The firm — which has its own store less than a mile away on South Road — argued Asda’s plan infringed a number of policies in Dundee’s local planning framework.
It appeared Lord Brailsford’s decision had cleared the way for the development to go ahead, but it has emerged that Tesco has taken initial steps towards appealing the ruling.
The supermarket giant has lodged papers with the Court of Session that outline its concerns with the original decision by Dundee City Council to grant permission to Asda and developer Macdonald Estates Ltd for the plans.
The approved proposal would create around 480 jobs and would see a food store, fuel station and cafe established on the site.
The documents lodged by Tesco — which do not constitute a formal appeal against Lord Brailsford’s ruling — state the firm’s belief that any superstore development in the area should be at its former site at Stack Leisure Park in Lochee.
Tesco is now mulling over its next move and any decision to make a formal legal challenge would see the development thrown into the long grass.
Sarah Mills, acting property communications manager for Asda in Scotland, said Tesco’s latest move was disappointing but said Asda was committed to the project.
She said, “Obviously we are disappointed by the actions of our competitor to further stall our plans in the face of the Court of Session’s decision and overwhelming local support for our proposals.
“Nevertheless, we remain committed to pursuing our proposals and hope to work with all those involved in order to find a solution to this latest delay.”
A spokesman for Tesco stressed the papers lodged with the Court of Session did not constitute a formal legal challenge but simply laid out the firm’s concerns.
He said, “We firmly believe that the decision to grant approval was clearly against established planning policy and a significant departure from the local plan.
“We will continue to market our supermarket site in Lochee, which offers a sequentially preferable alternative.”
Stella Carrington, chairwoman of the Charleston Tenants’ and Residents’ Association and the West Dundee Communities Association, said locals were in favour of the development.
She said, “We are disappointed by the action of Tesco to further stall Asda’s plans for a new supermarket in west Dundee.
“These objections are denying the city the much needed job opportunities and investment that Asda’s plans would bring.
“Local residents have shown their steadfast support for Asda’s proposals and we trust that this latest delay can be resolved as soon as possible.”