Lidl have this evening have broken their silence on North Ayrshire Council's decision to refuse their plans for an Irvine store.
The supermarket giant this evening released this statement.
Gordon Rafferty, Head of Property - Scotland, Lidl GB said : “We are extremely disappointed that Planning Officials at North Ayrshire Council have refused our application for a new store at Stanecastle Roundabout."
"The proposed store is in a great location and it’s clear from the feedback we’ve received and with nearly 200 letters of support from members of the community - including Irvine Community Council - that people in Irvine want to see this store built.
“We fully believe and have expert opinion confirming that our application is fully in accordance with Council Policy and that we have properly addressed any concerns raised during the application.
"The Policy arguments are very technical in nature and unfortunately we are unable to agree on one point. We will continue however to try to justify our reasoning. There are no other suitable or available sites in the town or at Montgomery Park for our business model.
“We remain committed to the site at Stanecastle Roundabout and will now exercise our right of appeal to the Council’s Local Review Body. Our proposals represent a huge commitment to Irvine in difficult times providing much need jobs and Investment.”
