Council chiefs have pulled the plug on a highly-anticipated Perthshire supermarket plan, dashing hopes for scores of new jobs.
Aldi’s bid to set up shop in Crieff was welcomed with open arms by the community just months after Tesco scrapped its own plan to move into town a decision described by one politician as a “kick in the teeth” for locals.
Now the Aldi project has been rejected by Perth and Kinross Council officers amid fears it could hit the “vitality and viability” of town centre traders.
Officials also decided to refuse consent after claims the former Tesco site, also on Broich Road, could be revived after the land was sold to London and Scottish Investments earlier this year.
The council had asked Aldi to consider using the former Tesco site which is the local authority’s preferred location for a retail development.
In his report, council officer Steve Callan said: “From the outset the applicant (Aldi) has always been recommended to look at developing the former Tesco site, west of the application site, as it is allocated for retail use, has live planning for a foodstore, is sequentially preferable and higher in the retailer hierarchy than this proposal.
“The planning and economic development merits of development of the former Tesco site are much stronger and therefore a material consideration of this planning application.”
He added: “It is considered another two retail units at this location will create a retail destination that will have a significant detrimental impact on Crieff town centre.”
Last night, Andy Doyle, property director for Aldi stores in Scotland, said the company was weighing up its options.
“We are bitterly disappointed with this decision and don’t agree with it,” he said.
“However, we are going to take some time to reflect on it and consider our position.
“Aldi still has hopes for a store in Crieff, a position which could not have been given more support from the local community, but we do have to accept this is a significant blow to our aspirations.”
Planners received more than 30 letters and emails backing the Aldi plan, which was expected to create about 50 jobs.
In her letter, Crieff Community Council secretary Jean Miller said the development would have been a “huge economic and social benefit to Crieff”.
Maureen Beaumont, who chairs the East Strathearn Community Council, added: “There is a strong feeling among our local community that this development is very welcome.
“It would give local residents a much needed choice of retail opportunities in the immediate area and it may well encourage residents from further afield to shop in Crieff, rather than Perth or Stirling and this can only be good for all businesses in the town.”
The only objection came from retail rivals Co-op which argued the Aldi store could have an adverse impact on other shops.