German discount supermarket chain Aldi has renewed its efforts to establish a larger presence in Perth by resubmitting a planning application for a new store at Necessity Brae. This move follows a previous application’s rejection by the Court of Session after a legal challenge from rival supermarket Tesco.
Aldi’s proposal aims to relocate its existing Perth store from Glasgow Road to a more spacious site on Necessity Brae, enabling the company to offer a wider selection of products and improve the shopping experience for local customers. The proposed new supermarket would be significantly larger than the current location, which Aldi has deemed inadequate for its long-term needs. Echoes of Previous Plans and Legal Battles
The resubmitted application mirrors the original plans, maintaining the proposed store size of 1,800 square meters and 100 parking spaces. The initial approval by Perth and Kinross Council was overturned in 2024 following Tesco’s successful judicial review. Tesco argued that the development violated the council’s ‘town centre first’ policy, which favors smaller neighborhood shops in out-of-town locations like Necessity Brae.
This legal wrangling ignited a local petition signed by over 800 residents urging the council to support the new Aldi store. Petitioners highlighted the growing residential areas around Cherrybank and the increasing demand for convenient supermarket options, suggesting the proposed Aldi would fill a crucial gap in local amenities. Aldi Emphasizes Necessity, Community Support
Aldi’s resubmission emphasizes the long-standing lack of development at the Necessity Brae site, despite its allocation for employment use in previous development plans. A developer appraisal cited by Aldi claims that the site’s existing conditions and potential return on investment make it unsuitable for the types of development outlined in the Local Development Plan. This, Aldi argues, reinforces the viability of a supermarket at the location.
Aldi representatives expressed enthusiasm about the resubmitted application and reiterated their commitment to investing in the Perth area. They cited strong local backing for the project and voiced optimism about receiving council approval, aligning with the previously demonstrated community support. The public has until April 25th to submit comments on the proposal. The question remains whether Tesco will launch another legal challenge, impacting the future of Aldi’s plans and the desires of the Perth community.
This renewed push by Aldi reflects a broader debate about urban planning, retail development, and community needs in Perth. Balancing policies prioritizing town centers with the practical needs of growing neighborhoods will be a key challenge for the council in its decision-making process. The outcome will significantly affect Perth’s retail landscape and the accessibility of shopping options for its residents.
Meanwhile, this ongoing development has not deterred other local businesses from moving forward with their plans. The planned summer renovations at Active Kids in Stanley demonstrate a continuing focus on enhancing community resources and recreational opportunities within Perth and Kinross.
Aldi’s proposal aims to relocate its existing Perth store from Glasgow Road to a more spacious site on Necessity Brae, enabling the company to offer a wider selection of products and improve the shopping experience for local customers. The proposed new supermarket would be significantly larger than the current location, which Aldi has deemed inadequate for its long-term needs. Echoes of Previous Plans and Legal Battles
The resubmitted application mirrors the original plans, maintaining the proposed store size of 1,800 square meters and 100 parking spaces. The initial approval by Perth and Kinross Council was overturned in 2024 following Tesco’s successful judicial review. Tesco argued that the development violated the council’s ‘town centre first’ policy, which favors smaller neighborhood shops in out-of-town locations like Necessity Brae.
This legal wrangling ignited a local petition signed by over 800 residents urging the council to support the new Aldi store. Petitioners highlighted the growing residential areas around Cherrybank and the increasing demand for convenient supermarket options, suggesting the proposed Aldi would fill a crucial gap in local amenities. Aldi Emphasizes Necessity, Community Support
Aldi’s resubmission emphasizes the long-standing lack of development at the Necessity Brae site, despite its allocation for employment use in previous development plans. A developer appraisal cited by Aldi claims that the site’s existing conditions and potential return on investment make it unsuitable for the types of development outlined in the Local Development Plan. This, Aldi argues, reinforces the viability of a supermarket at the location.
Aldi representatives expressed enthusiasm about the resubmitted application and reiterated their commitment to investing in the Perth area. They cited strong local backing for the project and voiced optimism about receiving council approval, aligning with the previously demonstrated community support. The public has until April 25th to submit comments on the proposal. The question remains whether Tesco will launch another legal challenge, impacting the future of Aldi’s plans and the desires of the Perth community.
This renewed push by Aldi reflects a broader debate about urban planning, retail development, and community needs in Perth. Balancing policies prioritizing town centers with the practical needs of growing neighborhoods will be a key challenge for the council in its decision-making process. The outcome will significantly affect Perth’s retail landscape and the accessibility of shopping options for its residents.
Meanwhile, this ongoing development has not deterred other local businesses from moving forward with their plans. The planned summer renovations at Active Kids in Stanley demonstrate a continuing focus on enhancing community resources and recreational opportunities within Perth and Kinross.