Pitlochry shows support for Sainsbury’s supermarket

Feb 9 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

HIGHLAND Perthshire residents have backed proposals for a new Sainsbury’s supermarket in the area.

Approximately 500 people attended a two-day public consultation in Pitlochry’s town hall on January 15 and 16.

Recently released figures have revealed that out of 318 survey respondents, just a tenth were against the plan, with 79.6 per cent of people in support of the Bridge Road proposals and 10.4 per cent “undecided”.

Almost 76 per cent expressed a need for a new supermarket in the area, with 79.2 per cent agreeing the site earmarked for the 15,000 square foot build was the best place for it.

Dougal Hartley, the supermarket chain’s national development surveyor for Scotland, said he was “delighted by the extremely positive response”.

Mr Hartley said yesterday: “Since beginning consultation at the end of last year, Sainsbury’s has taken on board the views of local residents and community or business groups.

“In response to these, we have made improvements to the proposed development and will do so again on the basis of recent feedback, before submission of the planning application.

“Importantly, we have committed to working in partnership with the Highland Games committee and we look forward to continuing to work with them in future.”

Sainsbury’s hope to submit a planning application to Perth and Kinross Council at the end of this month.

The firm is to meet with the local community at the next community council meeting, to be held in Pitlochry High School tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7.30pm.

It is believed the proposed 15,000 square-foot store would create 150 full and part-time jobs.

If planning consent is awarded, a spokeswoman for the company said the new store could be open in 2011.