Store chain targets new Killin site
Killin could be in line for a new Co-op store.
GNGD Ltd has applied to national park planners for permission to build a retail unit on part of a builder’s yard in Station Road.
In a submission on behalf of the applicants consultants WD Harley said lack of storage space and service arrangements mean the current Coop store in the village is struggling to maintain the stock levels needed to service residents and visitors.
They added: “By moving to a larger premises with a dedicated service yard the Co-operative Group will be able to provide an improved service that will significantly benefit residents and visitors to the town.
“In addition, as the Co-operative Group own the building from which they currently trade, they propose to subdivide the existing unit into smaller retail units and make these available for lease.”
The agents said the current shop is serviced by delivery vehicles which set down on Main Street in front of the store.
To maintain stock levels two delivery vehicles come in the morning and another vehicle attends in the evening but improved access on the proposed site, a service yard and storage capacity would significantly reduce the frequency.
“The development will include the clearing of the site to allow for erection a 5000 sq ft, single storey, pitched roof retail unit with an associated car park and service yard,” the agent said.
“The site sits just off Lyon Road at the northern end of the village and is easily accessible from Main Street.
“It currently functions as a builder’s yard and is now in its second generation. The site is owned and occupied by Stitt Bros Ltd, a local construction business who have operated from the site for the last 20 years.
“In recent years the operations of Stitt Bros Ltd have reduced and as result the size of the site is greater than required. This has presented an opportunity to offer a portion of the site for development and consolidate their own operations into a smaller portion.
“The proposed development provides suitable accommodation for a thriving business within the village of Killin.
“Although the proposed development will see the Co-op relocate from the Main Street the proposed site is within a minutes’ walk of the Main Street and is connected to the Main Street via existing established pavements.
“Once the Co-op Food Store is operational it is proposed that deliveries will be made by a range of vehicle types, the largest being a 16.5m articulated lorry.
“The increased warehouse and yard capacity will result in a significant reduction in the number of deliveries required to service the store when compared with the delivery requirements for the current Co-op store on Main Street.
“The proposals include the establishment of a new vehicle access from Lyon Road into a new customer car park. The new car park will be for customer use and will be regulated by a maximum stay period.
“Delivery vehicles will access a new dedicated service yard to the rear of the proposed building using the new access point and customer car park. All delivery times will be scheduled in advance and trained members of staff will direct delivery vehicles and other vehicular and pedestrian traffic to ensure safe access and egress of all delivery vehicles.”