Plans for a controversial retail development, which campaigners claimed would “condemn the centre of Scone to death”, have re-emerged.
Almost five years after winning a bitter battle to build a new supermarket on the outskirts of the village, builder A&J Stephen has finally unveiled detailed proposals.
The project stalled due to “ongoing economic issues” but now the construction firm has been spurred on by a recent change to the Local Development Plan (LDP).
An operator has yet to be confirmed for the store, which will be based at the park and ride facility, but the developers are confident retailers will come forward once work begins.
When the plans first emerged in 2009, they sparked a huge campaign and even resulted in the mass resignation of members of Scone Community Council.
More than 500 people signed a petition opposing the scheme, while dozens of letters of objection were submitted to Perth and Kinross Council.
Despite the efforts of residents and councillors, the supermarket was given the green light.
No further plans emerged for the site, at David Douglas Avenue, and A&J Stephen was forced to ask for a three-year extension of planning permission in 2012.
Leading property consultancy GVA James Barr has now come forward with a new application on behalf of the Perth-based company.
A report by principal planner Peter Carus claims the proposals will deliver a “long-standing” policy objective to provide a modern food store in Scone.
He said: “This policy objective was first apparent in the previous Perth Area Local Plan.
“Although progress of that local plan was abandoned in favour of the new LDP for the Perth and Kinross area, the policy objective to provide a modern supermarket in Scone remains.
“At this stage, an occupier has not been confirmed for the proposed food store.
“But it is considered the approval of the detailed matters specified in the conditions of the planning permission in principle will allow for a quicker move towards the implementation of the permission.
“It is expected this will allow for the early identification of an occupier and delivery of the requirement for a food store.”
The store will be built on unused agricultural land, although it will also incorporate part of the existing park and ride facility.
Plans show the development will be 4,029sqm, with a total of 2,379sqm allocated for sales.
Meanwhile, 248 parking spaces will be created for customers and a further 50 retained solely for park and ride use.
The work will be carried out in three phases.
First, an access road will be formed, then the park and ride will be relocated and finally, the supermarket will be built.
The development is not the only retail proposal to ruffle feathers.
A legal battle is under way over plans to create a £40 million supermarket on Perth’s Crieff Road.
The challenge was launched by Tesco after it took exception to a council decision to allow Sainsbury’s to start work on the supermarket before vital road improvements are in place.
Proposals for another new supermarket on the outskirts of the city also came under fire.
Earlier this year, Aldi made a successful bid to take over two units at the Highland Gateway on the Inveralmond Industrial Estate.
Although it was approved, concerns were raised about the future of the site initially seen as a tourism hub and the impact this change of direction could have on city centre businesses.
Campaigners voiced similar fears over the new Scone supermarket, claiming it would have a detrimental impact on independent shops in the village.