Plans to build a new Co-op store in Killin have been approved.
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners have granted an application by GNGD Ltd 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 Co-op store in the village’s Main Street is struggling to maintain the stock levels needed to service residents and visitors.
One objection was submitted citing concerns including noise, traffic and design materials and asking if the Co-op could help fund better recycling and toilet facilities in the village.
Killin Community Council, however, indicated support for the application.
In their decision, national park planners said: “It is intended that the new unit would be occupied by the Co-operative who would relocate from their current premises on the west side of the Main Street.
“The building will extend to 5000 square feet and be single storey with pitched roof. It will be located on the western side of the site and be served by a service yard which will be accessed off Station Road. The customer car park will be accessed from Lyon Road to the south.
“The site comprises a larger area which is currently used as a yard for a local building company. The company no longer requires such a large site and intends to now operate from the northern part of the yard only.
“The Co-operative Group currently operate a food store from another premises located on Main Street in Killin. Due to a lack of storage space and service arrangements the store currently struggles to maintain the stock levels required to service the village’s residents and visitors.
“The agent has advised that 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 Killin.
“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. Killin & Ardeonaig Community Development Trust are keen to look at the potential for a community purchase of the existing store and have been in contact with the Co-op in this regard.
“The new retail unit would be single storey with a steep roof pitch. It would have a wet dash render basecourse with horizontal larch cladding above. The roof would clad in metal sheeting. Given that the building would be located outwith the Conservation Area, and not highly visible from the Main Street, a metal cladding roof finish is considered appropriate in this instance.
“The proposal is to replace the existing co-op store located on Main Street. As such, it is not anticipated that there will be an increase in vehicle movements as travel patterns are already well established. Vehicular access for customers will be provided via a formalised priority controlled junction on Lyon Road with a carriageway width of 6 metres. It is proposed to widen Lyon Road to 4.8 metres and also form a new section of footpath. A separate service access is proposed to be formed adjacent to the existing builder’s yard entrance on Station Road.
“As part of the development proposals, a total of 33 car parking spaces will be provided along with two spaces for the mobility impaired.
“The current food store is serviced by delivery vehicles which set down on the Main Street in front of the store. To maintain adequate stock levels two delivery vehicles attend the premises in the morning and another vehicle attends in the evening. As a result of the improved access arrangement and service yard and storage capacity, the delivery arrangements will be reduced.
“The matter relating to the Co-op financing improved toilet and waste facilities within the village is not directly related to the development and not a material consideration in the determination of the application.”
