Aldi fights back in store war after Crieff plan was rejected

Council: Papers have been lodged in a bid to overturn the decision

Aldi isn’t giving up on its plans to open a new store in Perthshire.

The discount retailer won widespread support for its bid to open in Crieff, just months after Tesco controversially abandoned its move into the town.

But the Broich Road plan was thrown out by Perth and Kinross Council in December amid fears it could hit the “vitality and viability” of the town centre.

Officials also refused consent after claims the former Tesco site, also on Broich Road, could be revived after the land was sold to London & Southern Investments last year.

Now Aldi has lodged appeal papers in a bid to overturn the decision.

A spokesman said: “I can confirm that an application for review of Perth and Kinross Council’s decision has been lodged with the council today.

“We look forward to the matter being considered at the local review body in due course.”

The Aldi proposal, which included designs for a second retail unit, was expected to create about 30 jobs.

The discounter had been asked to consider using the former Tesco site, which officers said was the authority’s preferred location for development.

In his report, officer Steve Callan said: “From the outset the applicant (Aldi) has always been recommended to look at developing the former Tesco 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 merits of development of the former Tesco site are much stronger and therefore a material consideration of this planning application,” he said.

“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.”

Planners had received more than 30 letters and emails backing the Aldi plan. The only objection came from Co-op which argued the store could have an adverse impact on other shops.

Community councillors in Crieff and East Strathearn supported Aldi and said the scheme could encourage more shoppers to visit the town, instead of Perth or Stirling.

I can confirm that an application for review of Perth and Kinross Council’s decision has been lodged with the council today. ALDI SPOKESWOMAN

The area where Aldi proposes building its store and additional retail unit.