Perth residents protest over supermarket plans

Dec 8 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PLANNERS are recommending councillors to give the green light to controversial proposals for a major supermarket in Scone – despite an avalanche of objections from locals.

Agents acting for local housebuilders A&J Stephen want the go-ahead for the 3,500 sq metre store on the existing Park and Ride facility at the northern end of the village.

There would also be parking for 280 cars.

The Park and Ride, operated by Stagecoach, would be relocated to the south-east corner of the 5.6-acre site.

It would share, along with the store, a new access via David Douglas Avenue directly onto the roundabout on the A94 Perth-Forfar road.

But locals are incensed at the plans, claiming it would destroy the livelihood of local shops – and sound the death knell for the community.

A report by the council’s development quality manager Nick Brian indicates that 89 objections were received within the prescribed period, with a further 215 lodged outwith that time.

The recently-formed Scone Organisation for the Protection of the Environment (ScOPE) organised a public demonstration and rally against the development on October 31, attended by over 200 people.

Scone Community Council have also opposed the plans. Objectors claim:

l Scone is well-served by existing supermarkets and there is no need for another which would only threaten the viability of existing shops.

l Extra traffic would result in congestion and create a road safety hazard in the village.

l The proposal would result in disturbance with delivery vehicles in the early hours, noise, contamination, smells and light pollution all to the detriment of residential amenity.

Just two letters have been received in support. They highlight the following issues:

l Surrounding villages need a large supermarket to increase choice.

l The proposal will reduce traffic congestion at Bridgend.

l It is within easy walking distance, will reduce car use and pollution and will create local employment.

A Retail Statement produced by the applicants indicates that there is a “significant convenience expenditure outflow” from that side of the river and there is a potential turnover of some £19.8 million, excluding the turnover from existing shops.

Mr Brian states in his report: “There is a clear deficiency within the Scone catchment area and capacity exists which should not compromise the viability of the existing centre.”

He adds that the applicants had carried out an analysis of four alternative sites and had “convincingly singled out” the Park and Ride area as the “most appropriate location” available to meet the identified need.

It also has the “potential” to remove traffic from the Bridgend junction and would have a “minor” impact on David Douglas Avenue.

Subject to a raft of conditions, he is recommending approval of the planning bid.

The application will go before a meeting of the development control committee tomorrow.