Plans for Perthshire convenience store plans come with a jobs pledge

Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s is proposing the construction of a new convenience store at a vacant brownfield site in Auchterarder, Perthshire. The planned store would cover 448 square metres and include parking, servicing, and associated works at the Feus location, previously occupied by a haulage depot. The proposed development is expected to create between 15-20 full- and part-time jobs, in addition to construction jobs during the building of the store and car park.

Alder King, planning consultants for the project, submitted a planning and retail statement with the application. They highlighted that the new convenience store would cater to the top-up shopping needs of the growing number of residents in the eastern edge of Auchterarder. The store aims to offer additional choice to the town, which currently has a limited convenience food offering. This initiative would reduce the need for residents to travel out of town for everyday shopping needs.

The proposed convenience store project aligns with the Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan and National Planning Framework 4. The consultants also emphasised that the development would effectively utilise the vacant site and integrate well with the surrounding area. The plan includes new car and pedestrian access from the Feus, while maintaining a level of separation from nearby residential properties to ensure respect for residents’ amenity.

In conclusion, the introduction of a Sainsbury’s convenience store in Auchterarder is not only set to benefit the local community with added shopping options but also promises job opportunities for both full- and part-time positions. The strategic location of the store and adherence to planning guidelines indicate a positive step towards enhancing the retail landscape in Auchterarder.